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.
Surgical solutions
The main goal of reconstruction is resumption of normal social and professional activities as quickly as possible after treatment for breast cancer. This primarily means being able to wear different styles of clothes without having to worry about the look or appearance of her breasts and in particular the décolleté area.
Following a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can significantly improve a woman’s self-image and self-esteem. She can again feel feminine, facilitating a return to normal sexual activity. The changing emotions of fear, dismay and depression may be dampened or even overcome. Especially after a delayed reconstruction, a patient may also feel more attractive, helping her as a woman, wife and mother fulfill her different social roles and professional activities. In addition, with the passage of time, hopefully she will be reminded less and less about the initial treatment for cancer as a result of the improved appearance of her breast(s).
Some points worth considering about surgical breast reconstruction include:
Regardless of the type of reconstruction, you will have to undergo more surgery. This means more discomfort, with additional risks and possible complications.
You will be off work for longer and unable to attend to your family.
If you are unlucky enough to have a complication, it will take more time for you to recover.
There may be more scars.
With additional surgery, higher expenses may be incurred, depending on your personal insurance plan.
You need to have realistic expectations about the surgical results that can be achieved.
The reconstruction, no matter how good it is, will never replace your natural breast.
For implant based breast reconstruction, one should be aware that the longer the implant is in place, the more likely it is that complications may arise.
If you decide to proceed with surgical breast reconstruction, two more important issues have to be considered: