Are there Breast Surgeons in Canada??

Breast surgeons are typically plastic surgeons who may do various other surgeries as well, but have lots of experience with breasts! You might have to go to a larger centre to find one with the best experience. I had a mastectomy by a general surgeon; my oncologist referred me to a plastic surgeon in case I decided to have reconstruction (I didn't). I am in the Vancouver area.

I am in the London, Ontario area. I had a general surgeon who does a lot of work with breast surgeries. He then referred me to a plastic surgeon for reconstruction. Both of them were in the O.R. for my bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders. I think in the larger cities it is usually a general surgeon that does the mastectomy. If you are near London and want the name of my plastic surgeon (who is quite good and building a very good reputation for herself) just let me know.Best of Luck, Erica.

Kerry

Hi I am in BC, Vancouver Island in a small town area but they have a general sergeon that does lots of breast removals and breast surgery.  Not sure where in canada you live but ask around I am sure there must be some good surgeons. Would like to talk to anyone in Canada that has gone through breast cancer. I have had a mastectomy on my right breast and am just going to be starting chemo (very scary for me)

Bonnie

A doctor who calls himself a breast surgeon is actually a general surgeon who specializes in breast surgery.  There is no official designation of "breast surgeon" either in Canada or in the U.S. although there are organizations that use the title (i.e. association of breast surgeons).  The only "official title" (i.e. the one on the diploma) is General Surgeon.  However if a general surgeon has specialized in breast cancer surgery (taken their residency in breast cancer surgery, for example), he/she may call himself a "breast surgeon" or possibly a "surgical oncologist".     But those are unofficial titles, not officially associated with any particular level of training.  So you shouldn't assume that any surgeon who uses the title "breast surgeon" is any more experienced than a general surgeon who does lots of breast surgeries.  Some are, but some may not be.

For breast surgery (which is different than plastic surgery on breasts), whether you have cancer or are having a biopsy or have a non-malignant condition that requires surgery, you want a general surgeon who specializes in breast surgery.  The title that the doctor uses doesn't matter.  My surgeon uses the title "general surgeon" but he's the head of breast cancer surgery at leading cancer hospital - all he does is breast cancer surgery - you can't get more specialized than that.  Specialization in breast surgery is the key. 

Plastic surgeons are simply plastic surgeons, although there are many who specialize in breast surgery (but few who do breast surgery exclusively).  Personally I've never heard of a PS calling themselves a breast surgeon.  Here again, if you are having reconstruction, you want a PS who specializes in breast reconstruction surgery.  Lots of PSs do breast augmentation surgery, but that's very diffferent than reconstruction - someone who does a lot of augmentations isn't necessarily who you want for reconstruction; you want someone who does a lot of reconstruction, and particularly, whatever type of reconstruction you have planning to have. 

Hi Bonnie02.

I am wondering where on Vancouver Island you are. I am in Victoria and just had a unilateral mastectomy on my left side on Monday. I am doing pretty good though. You mentioned you are going to be starting chemo soon so are you having it at the Cancer Clinic here in Victoria? I will probably start mine in July. I hope you are doing okay.

Jill. 

Hi Erika,  I don`t which province you are in.  I had my mastectomy done by a lovely surgeon and she predominately does only breasts.  She is a general surgeon but concentrates on disease and surgeries of the breast.  She practices in one of our larger hospitals which has a breast clinic.  Why not ask the hospitals in your area if they have a specialty clinic.  Hope this helps.

Good luck and God bless.