The mastectomy advisory service.

At education .meetings, many questions were asked about the management of women who had a mastectomy performed. It was obvious that little or no information had been given to these women about prostheses, clothes, etc., nor had any psychological support been offered in dealing with husband and family. As nearly five hundred women undergo mastectomy each year in the province, it was obvious that there was a great need for support and help in this field. In 1975, the constitution of the Foundation was changed to include the provision of cancer care. An article on the problems that these women faced was published in the local press and on appeal was made for volunteers to help. The response was dramatic. Thirty women who had undergone mastectomy at least 21years previously were selected to train as our first volunteers. A training programme was drawn up and has since been modified as required. The potential volunteer is interviewed and selected by our officers. The training consists of six lectures given by a surgeon, a radiotherapist, a psychiatrist, a sister from a female surgical ward, a volunteer and a member of our staff. The surgeons in all the hospitals were informed of this new service. Many already used former patients selected personally to advise their new patients. After an initial slow start, our volunteers are now invited into all hospitals in the province. Nursing officers and ward sisters from all hospitals were invited to attend symposia held in headquarters. Lectures were given by a surgeon, a radiotherapist, a volunteer and member of staff. Visits to Belvoir Park Hospital were arranged.