Dr Nicole F.S Yap.

FRACS MBBS ( Melb) A.Mus A
BREAST AND SKIN SPECIALIST BREAST SURGEON

Breast cancer now affects 1 in 7 women in the Western world and therefore everyone will eventually know someone who has been affected.

I am a Specialist Breast surgeon and director of Breast Institute Australia. I treat both the cancer and the cosmetic outcome at the same surgery. I have treated patients with this pathology from the ages of 27 to 94, and it belies me to reach out to everyone, including men, to not be afraid and to seek early advice, if you have any concerns about any signs or symptoms related to your breasts.

Throughout the ages, the breast has been the symbol of femininity, reproductivity, and sexuality. To defile this is almost sacrosanct. It can also create psychological harm with far reaching effects to not only those affected but to those close to the individual including family and friends. There is also an increasing incidence in the younger (less than 50 years) age groups. The United States statistics indicate that this incidence is increasing by 2% every year. Currently 25% of all breast cancers are under the age of 50 years.

Despite the rising incidence there is a decreasing mortality, due to increased public awareness, yet the younger age groups still tend to present to health professionals late in the disease.

This could be due to fear of the unknown, or the fear of potentially defiling that which represents their femininity.

This is where my role exists. As a Specialist Breast Surgeon, I have the ability to remove and treat the breast cancer whilst maintaining or possibly improving the aesthetic/cosmetic outcome. This only requires development of a rapport with a single surgeon rather than two. This improvement in the approach to the management of breast cancer should enable patients to deal with this disease in a positive way. A positive mind assists in achieving an overall improved outcome.

Appointments can be made within 24 hours for urgent enquires, and time of diagnosis to operation is often possible within 1 week. Read more about Dr Nicole Yap.