Australian women who've had mastectomies are waiting too long and often paying high out-of-pocket costs for breast reconstruction surgery.
A Breast Cancer Network Australia survey of 3350 women who've been diagnosed with breast cancer found 27 per cent of women had waited longer than a year for the procedure in the public health system.
One woman surveyed said the pandemic had further delayed her operation as elective surgeries are put on hold while public hospitals are stressed.
"When I first consulted my plastic surgeon I was aware that I could be on a wait list from between 6-12 months. However, due to COVID this was blown out to 18 months," she said.
Women who have private health insurance are spared the wait but have high out-of-pocket costs.
The survey found that more than 37 per cent of women who had breast reconstruction in the private system had paid between $5000-$10,000 while 10-12 per cent of them reported out-of-pocket costs of $15,000 or more.
"It's unfair how expensive a reconstruction is. We didn't choose breast cancer," one woman responded.
In addition to the financial barriers, women in regional and rural areas have reduced access to high-quality expertise, meaning their clinicians are less likely to raise the option of breast reconstruction.
While half the women surveyed were able to access the procedure within 20km of their home, 15 per cent travelled more than 100km for the surgery.
BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti said the disparities must be addressed to ensure women know what is available to them and have access to timely, affordable, and equitable breast cancer treatment that meets their individual needs..
"Having a reconstruction after mastectomy is an individual choice," she said in a statement on Thursday.
Current estimates suggest around 40 per cent of women in Australia diagnosed with breast cancer have a mastectomy and breast reconstruction is then offered as an option that can improve their wellbeing and body image.
"BCNA wants all women to be able to make an informed decision about what's right for them," Ms Pilatti said.
"Those who choose to have a reconstruction should expect access to all options in order to make an informed decision, no matter who they are or where they live," she said,
The study recommended reducing the cost of reconstruction surgery, reducing waiting times in public hospitals and improved information about the different types of procedures and options.
