Patient Education Could Reverse Low Breast Reconstruction Rate
A new study published in JAMA Surgery that discusses patient perspectives on breast reconstruction after mastectomy reports that only about 42 percent of women who have had a mastectomy choose to have reconstruction surgery. The lead researcher said that one of the reasons why the study was carried out was that there was a lot of discussion that the breast reconstruction rate is too low. The reasons why women passed on the surgery according to the study are as follows:
Reconstruction was not important
They were not interested in going in for further procedures
They were focused on treatment of the cancer
36% of women reported ‘fear of breast implants’
16 % of the women said they couldn’t spare time from work for the treatment
Nearly 12% cited the lack of insurance as the reason
Up to 18% did not know that reconstruction was an option
These results raised alarm about the low breast reconstruction rates and surgeons have responded differently to it. It has been pointed out that women are not properly educated about the possibilities of reconstruction. Either the options were not explained thoroughly or they didn’t understand it properly.
Women with less education and those who were older were less likely to opt for the procedure
Also women who had chemotherapy or those with major health problems were less likely to opt for reconstruction
It was found that regardless of their decision nearly 87 percent of the women were satisfied four years later.
Having or not having a plastic surgery is a personal decision. However, in the case of breast reconstruction, it is important that women are aware of their options and properly educated about them. Only this can help them take an informed decision. In addition to aesthetic benefits, the surgery can provide important psychological and emotional benefits leading to improvement in the quality of life
Contact Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery 6400 Fannin Suite 2290 Houston, TX 77030 Telephone: 713-791-0700