October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a yearly campaign to increase public awareness about the risks of breast cancer. The campaign is often recognized by its universal symbol: the pink ribbon. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, thousands of women are impacted by breast cancer each year.
Here are Some Facts about Breast Cancer:
- Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
- Women over the age of 40 are encouraged to undergo yearly mammograms. These diagnostic imaging tests help physicians screen for any possible cancer. Mammograms are responsible for aiding in early detection, which greatly increases a woman’s chance of survival.
- One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime, and thousands of new cases are diagnosed each year.
- If breast cancer is detected during a yearly mammogram, treatment will be recommended based on the size and location of the tumor.
- Women who have breast implants are at the same risk for cancer as women with natural breasts.
Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer often have to undergo mastectomy. During this procedure all of the natural breast tissue is removed from either one or both of the breasts. For these women, breast reconstruction surgery is an option. This procedure usually combines skin expansion with implant insertion. A balloon expander is inserted below the skin to create a breast mound. Saline solution is injected into the expander that stretches the skin in order to make room for the breast implant to be placed.. The expander is then removed during a later procedure and replaced by a silicone or saline implant.
Are You Considering Breast Reconstruction? Contact Dr. Rhee!
Are you considering breast reconstruction following mastectomy? Contact Dr. Charlotte Rhee today! We are located in Huntington Station, Long Island, New York, and can be reached directly at (631) 424-6707.