Margex (margin re-excision experience): The impact of margin re-excision. Study protocol

Background: Breast conserving surgery provides equivalent oncologic outcomes to mastectomy for early breast cancer. In 2016, the National Margins Audit prospectively audited margin re-excision rates in 2858 patients undergoing breast conservation in the UK and Ireland. The margin re-excision rate was 17.2%. Minimalising adverse outcomes, their sequela of events and subsequent negative patient experience is paramount. The NHS Cancer Strategy has emphasised the need to equally prioritise improving cancer patient experience with improving clinical outcomes.