Today’s instant-results environment fed by technology and automation has a new form: the majority of women about to receive breast reconstruction surgery want to see the results before the procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is more than happy to oblige.
Breast Cancer Patients Want Insight to Breast Surgery Outcomes Prior To Procedure
EurekAlert first reported the ASPS’s poll results, showing that 89 percent of polled women would like to see how the surgery would turn out before they undergo treatment for breast cancer. Due to the overwhelming findings, ASPS President Malcolm Roth is planning to have an event for women to observe the outcomes during the group’s Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day USA gathering, October 17, in New Orleans, part of a campaign to increase knowledge about breast reconstruction options.
The occasion will feature information that gives women a firsthand glance into breast cancer reconstruction choices. A group of breast cancer patients will observe reconstruction patients and potential options for their operations. “This is something that until now has been a taboo topic, and we want to give these women a forum to get the information they need,” said Roth.
A large amount of breast cancer patient organizations say that their patients want more than mere before-and-after internet photos commonly displayed on surgeon websites; they want to see the results for themselves and learn firsthand from breast cancer survivors about the trials and tribulations.
The survey also mentioned that approximately 23% of women knew of the variety in breast reconstruction choices. About 22% polled were familiar with the quality of outcomes to be anticipated, and 19% comprehended the impact and timing of their treatment on their options and results. The majority of cancer patients surveyed (approximately 7 of 10) never find out about breast reconstruction alternative. The study was done by Harris Interactive.
ASPS surgeon Dr. Frank DellaCroce wishes that more plastic surgeons gave their patients advice and encouragement. “I see a great number of patients who come in and say ‘I wish I’d known about certain reconstruction options beforehand. I wish I could turn back the clock.’”
Breast cancer survivors like Kim Sport, who received a consecutive mastectomy and breast reconstruction, are eager to inform women about their experiences. She hopes “to show them what reconstruction really looks like” beyond photographs.
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