A breast cancer support group in Bradford has announced it is sponsoring a new oncoplastic breast fellow and plastic surgeon for the first year of his masters degree.

Oncoplastic surgery is the term used to bring together the specialties of breast cancer and plastic surgery into one role.

The sponsorship by the Bosom Friends support group will mean Andy Williams, who lives in Bradford and works at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will be qualified to diagnose breast cancer and to discuss treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy and genetics with the women directly, as well as carry out reconstructive surgery on them.

Bosom Friends member Liz Carrington said: “Locally there are 300 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year and as a group, we felt that anything that can improve an already brilliant service is worth supporting.

“We have no doubt that this investment will benefit all the breast cancer patients throughout Bradford and the surrounding district, as one surgeon will be able to cover all aspects of breast cancer in one go.”

Mr Williams hopes his combined training will offer patients a more holistic approach to reconstructive surgery.

He said: “The new oncoplastic fellowship will ensure that the treatment of breast cancer and breast reconstruction in Bradford is of the highest standard available in the UK today.

“Bradford patients can be reassured that when they come to us for breast cancer treatment, they are receiving a joined-up multi-disciplinary approach to their care plan at every stage of the process.

“A big thank you to the Bosom Friends for supporting the first year of this three-year masters degree in oncoplastic breast reconstructive surgery.”

Bosom Friends have more than 120 members and have run fundraising events and support group meetings for over 20 years. They meet at 7pm on the third Wednesday of every month at the Cancer Support Centre on Smith Lane. Meetings are friendly, social events and an opportunity to chat with other women who have, or had, breast cancer.

For further information about Bosom Friends, the meetings, or to chat with someone who has been through the same experience as yourself, contact Sue Hodgson on (01274) 674381 or Carol Kettle on (01274) 638606.