Choosing Your Breast Cancer Surgeon

Choosing Your Breast Cancer Surgeon

How to choose the right breast cancer surgeon for you

A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the best breast cancer surgeon for yourself. Your breast surgeon will not only perform your operation but they will also support you through one of the most challenging journeys of your life.

Your breast cancer surgeon will be there to guide you through the rest of your treatment and help link you in with other skilled health professionals including medical and radiation oncologists.

Breast cancer signs self check
Breast cancer surgeon Gold Coast performing ultrasound examination

Choosing a breast cancer surgeon is about finding the right balance of expertise, compassion, and commitment. The right surgeon will not only provide excellent medical care but also walk alongside you every step of the way.

Ensuring your breast cancer surgeon is highly trained

First and foremost, ensure your surgeon is highly trained and experienced in breast cancer surgery. In Australia and New Zealand, surgeons who are members of BreastSurgANZ (Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand) have undergone specialist training in breast cancer and breast reconstruction surgery. Membership provides reassurance that your surgeon is up to date with the latest evidence-based techniques and standards of care.

The importance of a Gold Coast breast surgeon with empathy and compassion

Equally important are qualities that extend beyond surgical skill. Look for a surgeon who is kind, compassionate, and approachable—someone who listens to your concerns, explains options clearly, and makes you feel supported. Breast cancer care is not just about treating the disease; it’s about caring for the whole person. A surgeon who values empathy and communication will help you feel more confident and less alone in your decision-making.

The right surgeon will guide and support your journey

Continuity of care is another key factor. Ideally, your surgeon should personally follow you up after surgery and remain involved throughout your treatment journey. Knowing that the same trusted professional will continue to check on your recovery and long-term health can make a big difference in how supported you feel.

How to choose a breast cancer surgeon on the Gold Coast

Choosing a breast cancer surgeon involves more than qualifications. Experience in breast cancer surgery, clear communication, and a supportive approach all play a role in your care. If you are exploring your options, our breast cancer surgery on the Gold Coast page outlines treatment approaches, what to expect, and how care is tailored to each patient.

Dr Susan Hawes: specialist breast cancer surgeon

Dr Susan Hawes from Gold Coast Breast Surgery performs expert breast cancer surgery with a real commitment to her patients health and wellbeing. Contact Susan if you would like to arrange a consultation regarding breast cancer surgery on the Gold Coast, with care tailored to your individual needs.

1800 1200 Dr Susan Hawes
ABOUT DR SUSAN HAWES

Susan was born and grew up on the Gold Coast. She qualified as a pharmacist from the University of Queensland in 2003 and then went on to further tertiary study at Griffith University and completed a Bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery in 2009.

Susan completed her internship and her resident years at the Gold Coast Hospital before moving all over Queensland for her training as a general surgeon.

Susan finished her surgical training in 2020 as a Princess Alexandra Hospital registrar. She was accepted onto subspecialty training in breast surgery with BreastSurgANZ and completed her first year of subspecialty training in Canberra in 2021. In 2022 Susan returned to the Gold Coast and worked as a general surgical fellow at Robina Hospital; also celebrating the birth of her second child. In 2023 Susan and her young family moved to Sydney, where she completed her second post-fellowship training year of breast surgery at the Oncology Centre of Excellence Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. She also completed a graduate certificate of breast surgery through the University of Sydney in 2023.

Susan has a passion for caring for patients to achieve the best possible outcomes for their health. She believes that timely communication is important between surgeons, patients and their health providers to ensure continuity of care. Susan has an interest in teaching and research and has presented her work at national conferences.

Susan enjoys the challenge and creativity of breast surgery but is also a dedicated general surgeon with experience in both emergency and elective surgery.

Gold Coast Breast Cancer Surgeon – Dr Susan Hawes
PRICING FEE STRUCTURE

Initial Consultation

Full Fee
$250

Medicare Rebate
$81.30

Post-op appointments

Full Fee
Bulk Billed

Medicare Rebate
Not applicable

Follow up consultations

Full Fee
$100

Medicare Rebate
$40.85