Am I a candidate for breast reconstruction?

The most important and determining factor when considering breast reconstruction lies with your own personal motivation. What do you want? How do you feel? Only the breast cancer patient - together with her family, friends, breast care nurses and doctors - can reach the best individual solution. There are very few medical reasons disqualifying someone from the operation.

Is age a limiting factor at all?

No matter your age or size, everyone is potentially a candidate for breast reconstruction. It is every woman's right to be considered from the outset.

Can I have reconstruction after radiation or if I have extensive scarring?

Radiation and/or extensive scarring purely influence the choice of technique. Regardless of how many years the radiation goes back, you should still be able to have a breast reconstruction. 

Can I have breast reconstruction, even though my cancer is at a advanced stage?

Cancer staging should not play a prohibitive role when considering whether to opt for breast reconstruction. Nevertheless, the decision and choice of reconstruction type should be discussed with your surgeon, bearing in mind how you might be feeling and coping with a more complex cancer diagnosis. 

Is diabetes a contraindication?

Diabetes leads to an increased rate of complication in any kind of surgery. Therefore it's important to choose the right reconstructive procedure, which will have the least amount of risk for complications. Medical advice and further information should be elicited and considered if this case.