Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2009 | Page 102

life

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Photo:
Mr Richard
Sainsbury
for
prosthesis
and bras,
and dressings
for post operative and post radiotherapy
wounds and information and support for
those who’ve only just been diagnosed
with breast cancer. A drop in service for
existing patients who might have new
concerns is also offered there.
When you come for your initial
appointment with a consultant it is at
Outpatients in the main part of the
hospital. When you return to see the
doctor or consultant for your diagnosis
and test results you also visit Outpatients.
This means that there are currently three
different buildings to negotiate during
your treatment for breast cancer and, if
you need radiotherapy, you have to travel
to Southampton.

102

The breast cancer surgical team is
comprised of Mr Sainsbury, his Associate
Specialist Mr Babu, oncologist Mr
Marshall and pathologist Mr Jamil with
Caroline Rubin and Jill Shead leading the
breast screening team. Three breast cancer
nurses; Jasmine Light, Marie Bugden and
Mary Seymour, are based at Applegate
with their PA Julie Wilson.
“ Since Mr Sainsbury joined us we are
now able to see everyone within two
weeks of referral by their GP which is
the government’s directive,” said Jasmine
Light. “Sentinel node detection and
biopsy has been very successful and has
led to a decrease in the number of patients
suffering with lymphoedema, which is
really important because it is a very

debilitating condition.”
“Patients are now able to come in on
the day of surgery and go home on the
same day which has cut costs drastically.
Those having reconstruction usually stay
only one night. Previously patients were
staying for up to four nights. We’re also
doing some research into the 20 year
figures since 1988 as both St Mary’s and
Southampton hold all records from that
period,” she added.
The incidence of breast cancer on the
Island is similar to elsewhere but this
common disease does affect ten percent
of the population and early diagnosis
and treatment is essential. “It’s a disease
of affluence although this also has an
influence over whether the disease is
diagnosed,” said Mr Sainsbury. “Age has
something to do with it,” he added. “We’re
seeing post menopausal women who are
carrying too much weight. It doesn’t
matter in pre menopausal women but after
the menopause women have higher levels
of oestrogen which feeds most cancers.
Possibly exposure to other chemicals
and alcohol abuse can be contributory
factors,” but there is good news for
mothers. “Having full term pregnancies
is protective, regardless of the method of
delivery,” he stated.
On the subject of elective breast removal
for those in high-risk categories, Mr
Sainsbury was not overly enthusiastic.
“For some people it’s appropriate but we’d
go into a lot of counselling beforehand,”
he stressed. “People over estimate the risk
drastically. We certainly over treat some
people,” he continued. “Some cancers are
very slow growing and would never harm a
person in their lifetime.”
Richard has had quite a few celebrity
clients. He was catapulted into the
limelight after operating on Amanda
Mealing, the actress who plays Connie
Beecham in Holby City. “I did her original
breast cancer surgery and helped with her
reconstruction surgery,” said Richard.
Strangely Amanda is also married to
another Richard Sainsbury who works as
a scriptwriter. “She refers to us as her two
Richard Sainsburys,” laughed Richard.
Mr Sainsbury’s appointment now means
that reconstructive surgery is now on
offer at St Mary’s – previously patients
had to travel to Winchester or Salisbury
and further afield for this service. Often
the breast reconstruction can be done
during the operation to remove the cancer,

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