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Dr Russell Burcombe

MB BS, BSc, MD, FRCP, FRCR

Oncologist

34 years of experience

Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4UL

(+2 more)

10 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Dr Joel Newman, Dr Shiroma De Silva-Minor

5

/5

(82 reviews)

34 years of experience

Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4UL

(+2 more)

10 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Dr Joel Newman, Dr Shiroma De Silva-Minor

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Breast Cancer
77
2
Radiotherapy
24
Chemotherapy
8

Contact

Book


Expert in:

About Dr Russell Burcombe

Nothing prepares you for being told you have cancer. I've experienced first-hand in my own family the trauma that a cancer diagnosis, and treatment, causes to patients and the people close to them.

When patients are anxious and vulnerable they need kindness, empathy and somebody to listen and answer their questions, but above all, an experienced oncologist with good clinical judgement able to provide the best treatment.

My goal is to meet these needs and to be approachable and available for advice and support.

I qualified at The London Hospital Medical College in 1991. Four years later I entered oncology, training at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, The Middlesex and St. Bartholomew's Hospitals before becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists in 1998.

I interrupted my training to complete a Research Fellowship at Cancer Research UK's Gray Laboratory then broadened my experience with a spell as Consultant Radiation Oncologist in Christchurch, New Zealand.

In March 2004, I was appointed Consultant Clinical Oncologist at the Kent Oncology Centre, Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

As Trustee of local charity Breast Cancer Kent, I have been closely involved in fund-raising to provide state-of-the-art equipment for the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells Breast Care Centres.

I work with Macmillan and Breast Cancer Now, supporting these great charities providing support and information for patients.

I believe it is important to promote secondary breast cancer initiatives and my efforts in this arena have met with strong approval from professionals and patients.

As well as running a busy clinical practice treating breast and lung cancers, I have a special interest in providing patient-friendly information for patients, developing the innovative Breast Radiotherapy Information film, which was followed in 2014 by a film on chemotherapy. This is now used widely to educate patients in Kent and endorsed by the UK Chemotherapy Partnership.

More recently I designed and launched the Breast Cancer Kent patient information smartphone App with the team from Patient Journey App, the first for breast cancer in the UK. It has received excellent reviews and was nominated as finalist in the Macmillan Professional Excellence Innovation Awards, 2021.

I was appointed Clinical Director of Breast Oncology at GenesisCare in 2021.

I contribute to the Kent Oncology Centre programme of clinical audit and research, have publications in peer-reviewed medical journals, and have delivered presentations at national breast cancer meetings.

Special interests

  • Breast cancer
  • Secondary breast cancer

Subspecialties

  • Breast Cancer
  • Lung Cancer

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
(122)
Skill Endorsements
(3)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Breast Cancer
77
2
Radiotherapy
24
Chemotherapy
8
Hormone Therapy
4
Cancer Prevention and Screening
3
Video Consultation
2
Lung Cancer
2
Prostate Cancer
1
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)
1
Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH)
1

Registered with

General Medical Council

No. 3563278


Education

University of London

Medicine

Graduated 1991


Qualifications

  • MD University of London 2009
  • FRCR Royal College of Radiologists 1998
  • MB BS The London Hospital Medical College 1991
  • MRCP Royal College of Physicians 1994
  • BSc Hons (Biochemisty) University of London 1988

Languages spoken

  • English

Insurers

  • Healix Health Services
  • AXA Health
  • Cigna
  • Bupa Fee Assured
  • Aviva Health
  • Vitality
  • Bupa
  • WPA
  • Simply Health (Dental)
  • The Exeter

Fees

  • New appointment

    £300
  • Follow-up appointment

    £150
*May vary on location

Locations

Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom, TN2 4UL

4.83(258 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

GenesisCare Maidstone

17 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Maidstone, United Kingdom, ME19 4UA

4.89(57 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
09:00 - 17:00
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Kent Oncology Centre

7FGM+CC, Hermitage Ln, Maidstone, United Kingdom, ME16 9QQ

0.00(0 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00
Thursday
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Saturday
Sunday

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Breast Cancer
77
2
Radiotherapy
24
Chemotherapy
8

Contact

Book

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Dr Russell Burcombe is consistently clear and reassuring in his patient interactions. He provides clear explanations of treatment plans, including expected outcomes and potential side effects, also using visual aids and translating complex medical terms. Patients feel listened to, supported, and confident under his care, appreciating his kind manner and prompt responses to questions, which minimises anxiety during treatment. The most mentioned themes from patient feedback highlight his comprehensive approach to breast cancer and his guidance during radiotherapy treatment.

5
verified patient
01 Jun 2026

Dr Burcombe has provided exceptionally thorough explanations and clear reasoning throughout every stage of my cancer treatment. I would highly recommend him.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
30 May 2026

Dr Burcombe thoroughly reviewed my cancer journey from the very beginning, carefully going through every single diagnostic procedure, biopsy, adverse events and result. He explained my cancer type, staging, receptor status, surgical procedure details, and the PREDICT score in comprehensive detail. I truly appreciated this thoroughness, especially since he did not skip any information despite knowing my work background. This was incredibly beneficial for my husband and saved me the time of having to explain everything later on. Dr Burcombe runs his clinic in a highly systematic way, clearly explaining every step of the process, giving us the chance to clear any queries and gave us all the time that we needed. He provided us evidence based guidelines that reassured us that the treatment decision planned and timing will achieve a favourable overall result. Half an hour after the clinic appointment, I received all the information and and documentation directly via Carebit, which perfectly mirrors his incredibly efficient, forward-thinking approach to patient care and stress-free reference to look back when I need to.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
25 May 2026

I met with Dr Burcombe before and after my radiotherapy. He explained my treatment plan clearly which was backed up by clinical evidence and facts/figures to determine my future risk. I appreciated his professionalism, his ability to answer my questions and concerns and also his reassurance. I was provided with a clear treatment plan and the results of radiotherapy were shared with me after treatment, I am grateful for the open access should I have any further concerns in future.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
26 Apr 2026

Always takes the time to listen and offers practical, helpful, reassuring advice. Is always available in between scheduled appointments if there are any concerns or queries. Thoughtful and empathic.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
26 Apr 2026

My consultation with Mr Burcombe was excellent. He explained my condition to me in a clear and professional manner and gave me evidence based treatment options. He listened to my concerns and answered my questions comprehensively. Following my surgery and radiotherapy treatment, I found the online resources he told me about very helpful.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
09 Apr 2026

Dr Burcombe has been my Oncologist for the past year having been diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. From my first appointment he was reassuring, knowledgeable and truly caring. I have had amazing care from Dr Burcombe and would highly recommend him to anyone. I am extremely grateful to have been referred to him.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
29 Mar 2026

As always Dr Burcombe was very friendly, professional and helpful. He explained everything fully and clearly. I would 100% recommended him

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
19 Mar 2026

Having finished my treatment I attended a follow up with Dr Burcombe and Rachael. I cannot speak highly enough of them or the whole team at Genesis. I feel I have been in the best hands through this journey.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
08 Mar 2026

Dr Russell Burcombe was just absolutely fantastic, we could not have wished for a better consultant. Russell from the start was invested in our journey and on it with us every step of the way. He is genuinely routing for you and we felt safe and secure in his care. It’s the little things like contacting us outside of normal hours to give you good news that made Russell very special. Thank you Russell for caring and going the extra mile we’re so happy we had you as our support. Teresa & Steve X

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
26 Feb 2026

Dr Burcombe has been amazing throughout

Patient seen for:
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Skill Endorsements

01 Jul 2025
Endorsed for
Breast Cancer
Lung Cancer

Dr Joel Newman

Dr Joel Newman

Haematologist
Is a colleague

Respected expert opinion in Breast oncology and an excellent colleague

28 Jun 2024
Endorsed for
Breast Cancer
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)

Dr Shiroma De Silva-Minor

Dr Shiroma De Silva-Minor

Oncologist
Is a colleague

FAQ

What are Dr Russell Burcombe's reviews like?

Dr Russell Burcombe's overall patient rating is 5 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 82 reviews.

What languages does Dr Russell Burcombe speak?

Dr Russell Burcombe speaks English

Where is Dr Russell Burcombe located?

Dr Russell Burcombe primarily practices at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital, located at Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom, TN2 4UL
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What are Dr Russell Burcombe working hours?

Dr Russell Burcombe is working Monday (09:00 - 17:00), Wednesday (09:00 - 17:00), Thursday (09:00 - 17:00), Friday (09:00 - 17:00)

Find where Dr Russell Burcombe operates today

Does Dr Russell Burcombe accept new patients?

Dr Russell Burcombe generally accepts new patients.

Get in touch with this specialist to enquire as a new patient