Bridging the gap in oncoplastic surgery training and assessing its impact on breast cancer management in India

Breast cancer is a major public health concern in India, with advanced breast cancers increasingly affecting younger patients, leading to higher mortality rates. While community awareness and national screening programs are important for early detection, it is equally important to equip medical professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively address this issue. Prashanti Cancer Care Mission’s (PCCM) capacity building arm International School of Oncoplasty (ISOS) has made significant progress in this area by introducing to the Indian subcontinent, advanced breast cancer management training with a focus on oncoplastics in collaboration with the University of East Anglia (UEA), UK. This program is an attempt to spread breast conservation and expand its indications via oncoplastic aid, aiming to improve surgical outcomes and patient care through a structured fellowship.

The master’s course is a hybrid format with online theoretical lectures and a hands-on workshop component for practical training. The current study utilized an online questionnaire-based survey aimed at assessing the participant’s experience with the course and the impact of the course on their clinical practice.

The survey revealed the positive impact of the training on the practice of 75 fellows who enrolled themselves in this degree program. Surgeons reported increased confidence and improved adoption of oncoplastic techniques. Notably, more than 70% of respondents indicated a 40% conversion rate from mastectomy to breast conservation surgeries using oncoplasty in their practice. Furthermore, 89.6% of respondents rated the hands-on training program above average, highlighting its effectiveness in improving surgical practice. This program has made oncoplasty a more approachable tool for many surgeons, fostering the percolation of knowledge and practice in numerous parts of India.

Fostering an oncoplastic mindset in the management of breast cancer in India and expanding the indications for breast conservation is critical. The article emphasizes the urgent need to improve breast disease-focused education in India, aiming to reduce the reliance on mastectomy as the primary treatment option and improve patient outcomes. The collaborative efforts of ISOS and UEA, play a transformative role in breast cancer surgery in India. These efforts pave the way for the advancement of oncoplastic surgery and contribute to a brighter future in the comprehensive management of breast cancer.