Majority of Breast Cancer Surgeons Dont Discuss Reconstruction Options: New Study

As few as one-third of women diagnosed with breast cancer discuss breast reconstruction options with their cancer surgeon prior to their first surgery, according to new research conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and published in the journal Cancer — the official journal of the American Cancer Society.

The study illustrates the importance of womens understanding of their surgical options — women in the study who did discuss reconstruction options beforehand were four times as likely to agree to a mastectomy, rather than the less-invasive lumpectomy.  

Researchers surveyed 1,178 women from the Detroit and Los Angeles areas who had undergone breast cancer surgery, asking questions regarding any pre-surgery discussion of breast reconstruction options.  Their data revealed that younger and more-educated women were more likely to ask their doctor about reconstruction options. 

Previous studies have shown that total breast reconstruction performed immediately following a mastectomy leads to better aesthetic outcomes and psychological benefits for the patient.  Authors of the study report that discussion of that knowledge between surgeon and patient prior to the initial cancer surgery tends to increase the likelihood that a patient will choose a mastectomy with reconstruction.

Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

  • A recent increase in the number of aggressive surgical breast cancer procedures
  • Tips for avoiding failed or fraudulent cosmetic surgery
  • FDA approval of silicone gel-filled breast implants

For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030. 

Read more detail on Legal News Directory – Medical malpractice law

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