Treating Breast Cancer Through Plastic Surgery (NAPSA)—Whendiagnosed with breast cancer, learning the facts about the disease and discussing treatment options can befrightening and overwhelming. This year, more than 175,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, if diagnosed and treated the survival rate is greater than 90 percent. For those women, whosetreat- ment includes either partial or full mastectomy, advances in plastic surgery and breakthrough legislation helps make this devastating newseasierto bear. “Many women whoface losing a breast to cancer don’t alwaysrealize that they can have it rebuilt through reconstructive surgery,” explains Walter Erhardt, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Plastic surgeons have seen first-hand how breast reconstruction improves a survivor’s self-esteem and confidence after a mastectomy.” Nearly 79,000 breast recon- struction procedures were per- formed last year, a 166 percent increase since 1992. The passage of the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 has aided this increase. The law mandates insurance coverage for breast reconstruction and the alteration of the opposite breast for symmetry for women who have undergone mastectomy. Discussion about breast reconstruction can start immediately after diagnosis. Typically, plastic surgeons make recommendations based upon the patient’s age, health, anatomy, tissues and goals. The most common procedures include skin expansion followed by the use of implants, or flap reconstruction. “Board-certified plastic surgeons support patients on the inside andout,” adds Dr. Erhardt. “Tn fact, many surgeonsparticipate in cancer conferences, fundraising initiatives such as cancer walks fs ee Discussion about breast reconstruction can start immediately after breast cancer diagnosis. Last year nearly 79,000 breast reconstruction procedures were performed. and organizing patient-support programs that match newpatients with previous patients who underwentsimilar treatment.” “Breast reconstruction provides both physical and emotional rewards. Often it can represent a new start to their life,” said Nicholas Teti, president and CEO, INAMED, parent company of McGhan Medical, a breast implant manufacturer. “If diagnosed with breast cancer, patients should be sure to talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon regarding treatment options.” For more information on breast reconstruction, or to find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, call 1888-4-PLASTIC (475-2784) or visit www.plasticsurgery.org. ween eee enn nen eee ene n eee OE oe eee ene eee eee eee eee eee Note to Editors: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
