During breast cancer awareness month, most of the discussion focuses on prevention and early detection. But we don’t hear very much about another side of the story – a woman’s choice to have reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy.
A 2014 study published in JAMA Surgery found that the percentage of women with breast cancer who opted for a mastectomy over a lumpectomy increased to 38 percent in 2011. Medical experts and many women agree that there are a host of reasons for this surge in mastectomies. Many women diagnosed with breast cancer are choosing to undergo a double mastectomy to avoid any risks of the cancer returning in the healthy breast. Additionally, the increased use of the genetic test for BRCA1 and BRCA2, the most well-known genes linked to breast cancer, has led to more preventative mastectomies.
With this changing pattern comes greater interest in the latest advancements in breast reconstruction. Surprisingly, only a small percentage of women facing a mastectomy are offered breast reconstruction. Healthcare experts say breast reconstruction has been shown to improve the psychological well-being of women who have undergone mastectomies, including improvements in body image and self-esteem, when compared to no reconstruction. There are many options and improved choices for the process, and experts agree that women should review the benefits and risks of each.
We had the opportunity to interview Dr. Allen Gabriel, M.D., FACS and board-certified plastic surgeon, to help raise awareness about breast reconstruction as an option for women who have cancer who are considering mastectomies. Dr. Gabriel discussed the latest advancements in breast reconstruction and gave advise for women on how to empower themselves to make the decision that is right for them. Joining Dr. Gabriel was Sherry Stose, a breast cancer survivor who has undergone breast cancer reconstruction and talked about her personal journey through the process.
If you would like more breast cancer resources or support if you’ve been recently diagnosed, check out Beyond Boobs. The Beyond Boobs! website is overflowing with health information to educate you, inspiring stories and tips to encourage you, and funky Retail Therapy to motivate you to TAKE CHARGE of your breast health.
Hi, I’m Jonna. Welcome to naturally-glam.com where I share how I balance my life as a mother, wife, and influencer.
Beautiful message, powerful. Thanks for sharing. Something I never considered, reconstructive surgery options for women battle breast cancer.
This is an amazing medical tool that can help women maintain their feminity and sense of womanhood. I’m so glad that in our generation, advances like this are possible.
Its great to see there are choices for women when it comes to something like this! Great post!
Great post. It is great that women have the option to do this when battling something so terrible.
Great information I go back and forth in my head on this topic. I’m not 100% sure if I would do reconstruction. My Mom was older than I am presently but she didn’t have it done.
I think any woman facing a mastectomy should be offered reconstruction.
Great and informative post for breast cancer awareness month! It’s great to know that women who go through this now have more options.
Great post for Breast cancer awareness month. My grandmother had a double mastectomy. Glad to know there are other options out there.
I know a few women who have had to undergo the mastectomy procedures and have also opted for the reconstructive surgery. I’m glad these options are available since it helps women cope with such a major change in their lives.
This is such an important topic. Thank you for sharing this information!
It’s great to know that there are so many options for breast reconstruction out there. Thanks for sharing this!
Wow! I had no idea! A great resource for women!