Mastectomy – What Next?

Alongside chemotherapy, radiotherapy and mastectomy, reconstructive breast surgery is an integral component of cancer treatment - opening up a path towards positive pyschological and physical rebuidling.

The risk of delayed detection of recurrent breast cancer is one of the chief reasons given by patients for deciding against reconstructive breast surgery. However, numerous studies have proven that reconstructive breast surgery doesn't have an influence on the early detection of recurrent breast cancer. Women also mention a fear of complications and old age as other reasons for deciding against a breast reconstruction.

However, the most commonly mentioned reason is insufficient or lack of information on the options for reconstructive breast surgery being offered in the first place.

Breast cancer patients often have very little time in which to decide either for or against reconstructive breast surgery, since the best cosmetic results are achieved by reconstructive surgery performed simultaneously with mastectomy. The patient is therefore faced not only with the breast cancer diagnosis, but also placed under enormous pressure to decide immediately on any further proceedings after the mastectomy.

Unfortunately, many women are left to make this difficult decision alone and feel helpless. Easy access to the relevant information concerning all of the various options could substantially impact upon their future following a mastectomy. The main target of the Didyma Foundation is to close this serious information gap by offering a detailed online information resource about reconstructive surgery. Our secondary aim is to further inform professionals in the medical field, as well as those in associated national and international organisations.