Prevention
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.
Diagnosis
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.
Treatment
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.
Revalidation
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
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.
Secondary & Tertiary Breast Reconstruction
updated 6-20
Secondary Breast Reconstruction
In delayed or secondary breast reconstruction, the procedure is performed at any stage following the ablative surgery, in which part or all, of the breast was removed. The timing of delayed reconstruction can be very variable but patients are usually advised to wait at least until 6 months following their last chemotherapy or radiotherapy session. From that point onwards, one can choose when to perform the procedure. It may even be several years later.
One important advantage of delayed reconstruction is that the tumour type, staging and the prognosis are known by the oncologist, surgeon and patient. This information can influence the decision to proceed with reconstruction. The patient has also had an opportunity to choose a plastic surgeon, the type of reconstruction and plan her surgery.
The benefits of a delayed reconstruction include:
The results of the microscopic examination of the tumor (histopathology) are clearly known, providing insight into the staging and prognosis of the disease.
The patient has had an opportunity to choose a plastic surgeon, the type of reconstruction and plan her surgery.
Patients who undergo delayed reconstruction frequently have more realistic expectations about the aesthetic result that can be achieved.
The disadvantages of a delayed reconstruction are:
Some patients find coping with the loss of a breast(s) difficult and experience more psychological morbidity.
At least two hospital in-patient stays are required, including surgery and anaesthesia on both occasions.
There is an increased total cost for both the patient and health insurance company (either private or national health service).
There is the potential risk of complications on two separate occasions.
Tertiary Breast Reconstruction
If a patient has already undergone a breast reconstruction with unsatisfactory results, a tertiary reconstruction can be planned. During this surgical procedure the previous reconstruction is removed and a new reconstruction performed.