Breast Reconstruction Procedures
July 7, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
According to a newly published report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), almost 70% of women who are eligible for breast reconstruction procedures aren’t informed of the options available to them. During breast reconstruction procedures, surgeons attempt to restore near normal shape, appearance and size after mastectomy.
Many plastic surgeons believe that the conversation about breast reconstruction should start as soon as a breast cancer diagnosis is made. That would enable the plastic surgeon to be part of the initial team of doctors and possibly ensure a better treatment plan.
More than 79,000 breast reconstruction procedures were performed in 2008. That’s a 39% increase from 2007. However, plastic surgeons note that research indicates breast cancer patients may be missing out on a crucial conversation on breast reconstruction that should take place at the time of diagnosis.
“Our goal is to make sure that those women who are not getting breast reconstruction are doing so of their own accord and not because they are uneducated or uninformed about their options,” said ASPS President John Canady, MD.
Do you believe that a conversation about breast reconstruction should begin immediately after a breast cancer diagnosis?
(Image via flickr)
