October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
October 20 is Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day.
We’ve come a long way in raising awareness about breast cancer, which is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women. Every October, we see some great awareness campaigns, and early detection, better screening and improvements in treatment options have all increased the chances for survival.
However, whilst breast cancer awareness is high, we haven’t come quite as far with awareness of breast reconstruction options for women facing mastectomy. About 40% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a mastectomy, but in a recent survey of women who had mastectomies, 20% said no-one had spoken to them about reconstruction options beforehand.
A recent article by the ABC highlights the plight of women who were not made aware of their options to choose breast reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy surgery. While not every woman would want a breast reconstruction, the information about all the options of reconstruction should be made available and clearly explained, but this doesn’t always happen.
Unfortunately many women are still not receiving good information about their breast reconstruction options early enough in their cancer treatment.
Cancer Australia best practice guidelines state that it is “Not appropriate to perform a mastectomy without first discussing with the patient the options of immediate or delayed breast reconstruction.” (Best Practice Number 11)
There are advantages in electing for a breast reconstruction at the same time as a mastectomy, not least of which is the benefit of only undergoing one major surgery. We may also be able to offer a broader range of techniques such as preserving nipples, restoring sensation in the breasts and minimising scarring.
A breast reconstruction after mastectomy is not cosmetic surgery, but delayed breast reconstructions do not attract the same speedy response in the public system as the initial surgery. This means many women who defer breast reconstruction until after their initial cancer treatment is completed, may wait much longer than expected to complete their reconstructive journey.
I’m working to increase awareness of breast reconstruction options, especially the provision of timely information to women receiving cancer treatment. While it can be overwhelming to face a cancer diagnosis, and women are faced with many decisions in a very short period of time, reconstruction options can be presented in a way that offers hope for the future.
My patients tell me of their hopes and dreams - enjoying a day at the beach and not wondering if people are looking at them; hugging their children and having it feel like it always did; being able to look in the mirror and not being reminded of their cancer experience.
I encourage you to read the ABC article and spread the word about breast reconstruction options. Share this blog with your family and friends, and follow our socials for more information during October and on BRA Day, 20 October 2021.
Note: just as no two individuals are alike, no two surgical results will be exactly alike. Seek surgical advice from a FRACS qualified professional.