Breast Cancer Patients Once Kept in the Dark Offered New Hope

Breast cancer mortality rates have been steadily declining for the past ten years. But sadly, 70 percent of women treated for breast cancer are not given information about their options for reconstructive surgery, according to one recent report. In the latest episode of Plastic Surgery Talk, Dr. William P. Adams, Jr., MD and his guests discuss this important topic to help educate breast cancer patients about the realities of reconstructive surgery, and provide much needed hope during a difficult time.

In 2009, nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. The good news is that mortality rates have been steadily declining for the past 10 years. But sadly, 70 percent of women who undergo breast cancer treatment are not fully informed about their options for reconstructive surgery, according to a recent report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

In the latest episode of Plastic Surgery Talk, host Dr. William P. Adams, Jr., MD talks with Rebecca Larson, a 33-year-old breast cancer survivor, who shares the emotional struggle she endured when she was told to wait almost a year for reconstructive surgery after a double mastectomy. They are joined by Dr. Louis Bucky, MD, FACS, a board certified plastic surgeon who performs more than 400 breast surgeries each year. Dr. Bucky explains the factors that determine whether a woman is a candidate for reconstructive surgery, and how breast cancer patients can make sure they are fully informed about their treatment options.

Click the player below to view the full episode.

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