StartBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American women. Understanding and taking proactive measures can help in its early detection and prevention.
The Role of Early Detection
One important fact: 1 in 8 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime. This highlights the need for regular self-checks, annual doctor visits, and routine mammograms. Knowing your family's health history and working with your doctor on a personalized monitoring plan is also essential.
Knowledge is Empowering
A significant 85% of breast cancers occur in women without a family history of the disease. These are often due to genetic changes from aging and general life experiences. While age and being a woman are risk factors we can't change, there are other factors we can control. Healthy lifestyle choices, like not smoking, limiting alcohol, and staying active, can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Knowing your body, recognizing any changes, and adopting habits that support your overall health is essential.
Understanding Surgical Options
Making informed decisions about treatment and surgical procedures is crucial for women diagnosed with breast cancer or those with a genetic predisposition to it.
Breast Conservation Therapy (BCT)
Known as breast-conserving surgery or lumpectomy, involves removing only the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue, preserving the rest of the breast. This alternative to mastectomy offers numerous physical and psychological advantages for women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.
By choosing BCT, women experience less scarring and maintain the natural appearance of their breasts, leading to improved body image and self-esteem. Additionally, this treatment option allows for better long-term breast preservation without compromising survival rates. With higher patient satisfaction, faster recovery times, and comparable survival outcomes, breast conservation therapy has become a preferred choice for many women facing breast cancer.
One of the most significant benefits of breast conservation therapy is the preservation of breast tissue. Unlike mastectomy, which involves completely removing the breast, BCT allows women to keep their breasts intact. This preservation not only has aesthetic advantages but also provides psychological benefits.
Another benefit of breast conservation therapy is reduced scarring. With BCT, the incision is typically smaller, resulting in less noticeable scarring compared to mastectomy.
Furthermore, BCT offers a faster recovery time compared to mastectomy.
Candidates for breast conservation therapy
Women with early-stage breast cancer, typically defined as stage 0 or stage 1.
Women with smaller tumors, no lymph node involvement, and no spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
The tumor should be small enough to allow for complete removal while maintaining an acceptable cosmetic outcome.
Oncoplastic Breast Reduction: Combines Beauty and Functionality for Breast Cancer Survivors
Dr. May is the only female plastic surgeon in the state of Texas performing oncoplastic breast reduction.
One of the most common concerns for women who undergo a mastectomy or lumpectomy is the change in breast appearance and size. This is where oncoplastic breast reduction steps in to restore both beauty and functionality for breast cancer survivors.
Oncoplastic breast reduction is a revolutionary surgical technique that combines the principles of oncology (cancer treatment) and plastic surgery to achieve optimal results. By utilizing advanced surgical techniques, this procedure removes cancerous tissue and reshapes and reconstructs the breast to achieve a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing result.
Not only does oncoplastic breast reduction help restore confidence and self-esteem, but it also ensures that the remaining breast tissue is healthy and free from cancerous cells.
This innovative approach of blending breast reduction with breast reconstruction allows women to regain control over their bodies and face the future with a renewed sense of empowerment.
We are dedicated to breast cancer awareness and support at Panhandle Plastic Surgery.
For those considering plastic surgery in the wake of breast cancer, we approach each case with utmost sensitivity, ensuring you have the information and understanding you need.
Your well-being is our top priority.
Contact Panhandle Plastic Surgery For An Appointment
If you have breast cancer, take the next step and schedule a consultation with Dr. Elise May. We're here to help.