Breast Reconstruction

Although early diagnosis and less radical treatment methods have reduced the need for mastectomy, surgical removal of all or part of the breast is still the corner stone of treatment.

Why do only 10 of women who undergo mastectomy in Australia have a reconstruction?

• A fully informed personal choice.
• A lack of information on what is available.
• Misinformation regarding the dangers or poor aesthetic results.

There is no evidence that breast reconstruction increases the risk of recurrence of the original tumour, or that it impairs the ability to detect any recurrence.

Speak to a Breast Reconstructive Surgeon
With a diagnosis of breast cancer a decision must be made regarding treatment options. The life threatening implications of cancer, possible body image change and the general disruption of the family routine has to be dealt with. Although beneficial, consultation with a reconstructive surgeon at this time and a decision on one of the many reconstructive alternatives, although in the long term beneficial, may be perceived as unnecessary additional stress and thus not requested. In many cases, however, such a discussion can alleviate some of the anxiety and fears associated with mastectomy. Some basic prior knowledge and thought may make this option more desirable and helpful.

It is important to realise that there is no rush. Decisions do not have to be made straight away. There is no reason to believe that waiting a week or two to decide on treatment options, including reconstruction, will make any difference to prognosis.

All these options must first be discussed with the breast surgeon.

The primary aim is to control the cancer in the breast.

Why have a Reconstruction?
The most common reasons stated for requesting, and the advantages of having undergone reconstruction:

• Feel whole.
• Maintain or regain a sense of "femininity".
• Avoid the inconvenience, potential embarrassment and discomfort of an external prosthesis.
• Feel physically balanced.
• Minimal restriction with choice of clothing.
• An impression there is less worry regarding health because the reconstruction has taken away a constant reminder of the life threatening nature of the disease.