Modern medicine is increasingly transitioning towards preventive care. This shift towards prevention has also been observed in breast cancer care in recent years, particularly with the discovery of the BRCA gene. Subsequently, multiple genes and risk factors have been identified. Depending on these factors, a personalized screening strategy can be chosen. Therefore, it is crucial to understand these genetic and risk factors.
I was diagnosed with cancer ... This website serves as a portal designed to assist you and your loved ones in accessing personal information and finding solutions to your concerns.
The primary goal of this website is to offer guidance and support to patients as they navigate their journey toward recovery and improved quality of life. The "Diagnosis" section of our website is divided into two main categories. Firstly, under "Anatomy and Physiology," we provide fundamental knowledge about the breast. Secondly, in the "Tumors and Disorders" section, we delve deeper into various breast-related conditions.
Moreover, we aim to provide information to women who may be concerned about potential breast issues but are hesitant to seek immediate medical advice. Knowledge and information can often offer immediate reassurance if a woman is able to identify the issue herself and determine that no specific treatment is necessary. Conversely, we also strive to educate women who have received a diagnosis of a serious breast condition, such as breast cancer, and wish to approach their doctor well-informed and prepared.
The treatment for breast cancer should immediately include a discussion about reconstruction. Our foundation has no greater goal than to raise awareness of this among patients and oncological surgeons. By making an informed decision beforehand, we avoid closing off options for later reconstruction while still considering the oncological aspect. Of course, survival is paramount, and the decision of the oncologic surgeon will always take precedence.
The "Reconstruction or not?" page contains all the information you can expect during an initial consultation before undergoing tumor removal. This page is comprehensive, and your plastic surgeon will only provide information relevant to your situation.
"Removing the tumor" details the surgical procedure itself. This is the most crucial operation because effective tumor removal remains paramount. We guide you through the various methods of removal, a decision often made by a multidisciplinary team comprising oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, radiotherapists, breast nurses, gynecologists, oncological surgeons, and plastic surgeons.
The "Breast Reconstruction" section includes information and illustrations of the different reconstruction options along with corresponding steps.
Those treated for cancer often need a long period to recover.
Cancer is a radical illness with a heavy treatment. Often, people have to deal with psychosocial and/or physical problems afterwards, such as stress, anxiety, extreme fatigue, painful joints, reduced fitness, lymphedema... This can have a major impact on general well-being.
There are rehabilitation programmes offered by most hospitals. We cover some of the major topics here.
Quality of life is a key factor in coping with breast cancer. Therefore, it is important to find coping mechanisms that work, which will be different from patient to patient. For some, it may be finding enjoyment in activities they engaged in prior to diagnosis, taking time for appreciating life and expressing gratitude, volunteering, physical exercise... Of prime importance, studies have shown that accepting the disease as a part of one’s life is a key to effective coping, as well as focusing on mental strength to allow the patient to move on with life. In this section we are addressing some topics that patients experience during and after treatment and we are providing information to address them.
When Arne Cosyns (31) & Thomas Rodrigue (30), Tietje's bosom buddies and co-founders of Beautiful After Breast Cancer met for the first time, it was love at first sight. Two months later, in October, the international month against breast cancer, they launched their new awareness campaign on prevention and screening: 'Let them scan!
It is our mission to provide support to numerous breast cancer patients. Therefore, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Beautiful After Breast Cancer, we introduced our exclusive 'Boobie Bag'.
In 2023, a thousand patients received our Boobie Bags through the breast clinics in Flanders.
Read the launch story here.
Injectable Breast Implants Co-Developed by Professor Phillip Blondeel
With this groundbreaking technology, Professor Phillip Blondeel aims to assist breast cancer patients who undergo breast reconstruction each year. In Belgium, this involves approximately 1,500 to 2,000 women annually who have lost a breast due to cancer or preventive mastectomy because of hereditary factors. Professor Blondeel, a world authority in breast reconstruction, has developed an innovative alternative to traditional silicone implants in collaboration with chemists from UZ Gent.
De Leite brewery is launching the new alcohol-free beer Tietje NA – a refreshing alternative that not only tastes great but also promotes care and awareness around breast cancer. In October, international breast cancer month, Tietje NA will once again highlight its compassionate commitment in support of the Beautiful After Breast Cancer Foundation. With its playful label, Tietje NA brings a smile, while also creating space for meaningful conversations. Whether it’s light-hearted topics or difficult discussions about breast cancer, Tietje NA brings people together and puts care at the forefront.
Beautiful After Breast Cancer provided tickets to this fantastic concert and organized an exclusive meet & greet for attendees with Dirk Brossé. Proceeds from the tickets went to support our activities. Special thanks to Prima La Musica, Dirk Brossé and Bijloke Gent.
Did you miss the event? We like to look back together with a beautiful aftermovie.
Thanks to your donations, we can support the many breast cancer patients and their families and we do so in many ways.
Since we are an organisation entirely run by volunteers who do this for free, your donations go entirely to support our objectives and activities.
Want to know more about our activities?
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Injectable Breast Implants Co-Developed by Professor Phillip Blondeel
With this groundbreaking technology, Professor Phillip Blondeel aims to assist breast cancer patients who undergo breast reconstruction each year. In Belgium, this involves approximately 1,500 to 2,000 women annually who have lost a breast due to cancer or preventive mastectomy because of hereditary factors. Professor Blondeel, a world authority in breast reconstruction, has developed an innovative alternative to traditional silicone implants in collaboration with chemists from UZ Gent.
De Leite brewery is launching the new alcohol-free beer Tietje NA – a refreshing alternative that not only tastes great but also promotes care and awareness around breast cancer. In October, international breast cancer month, Tietje NA will once again highlight its compassionate commitment in support of the Beautiful After Breast Cancer Foundation. With its playful label, Tietje NA brings a smile, while also creating space for meaningful conversations. Whether it’s light-hearted topics or difficult discussions about breast cancer, Tietje NA brings people together and puts care at the forefront.
