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.
As an RN who works with Breast Cancer patients and a 25 year survivor that was
diagnosed at the age of 33, I enjoyed the information you had to give and will pass it on to my patients. In an effort to follow through with the philosphy of
preparing a patient to be able to ask questions of the plastic surgeon, it would have been nice to hear about the different plastic surgery options available to mastectomy patients, so they could familiarize themselves the various procedures.
I, myself have had implants and subsequent bilateral TRAM flap that has now lasted in good condition for 18 years.
I was disappointed to not hear the medical doctors on your program correct Rebecca
when she proudly stated that she had “No Evidence of Disease” as if to imply that
a patient that has lived a few years past their diagnosis is cured. Not a good
message to send to patients who are grabbing on to hope at every juncture.
Thank you for addressing these issues. It helps a lot having tools to educate
patients with. Wendy Azevedo
To clarify – “no evidence of disease” does not mean “cured.” It means there is no clinical evidence of disease. There was nothing to correct, as the statement was accurate.
The simple fact that I’m alive is a great message to send patients. Many are not.
Patients should grab onto hope instead of giving up. There is always hope. And there should always be hope.
I’m a three year survivor, and I do understand the difference between NED and cure. Personally, I didn’t assume Rebecca intended to convey that she was cured, because for one thing, there is no cure for breast cancer (please note that, Komen,) and for another thing, she is only three years out of a second diagnosis. I assume she realizes that she isn’t cured, and thus, did not use the word “cure” at all. This was on the “Plastic Surgery Channel,” not the “Oncology Channel,” so I thought her use of NED was appropriate. However, I agree that it would have been nice if the doctors on the show had taken just a quick second to dispel the myth of breast cancer being curable. I don’t think correcting Rebecca would have been appropriate, as she was personally correct, but I think they missed an opportunity as medical professionals to help bring meaningful awareness about breast cancer.
As a 2 1/2 year survivor, I have repeatedly been told that “no evidence of disease” is the best we can hope for unless and until they can find a cure. No evidence of disease or “NED” is absolutely the correct terminology.
I’m currently in treatment, looking forward to NED. I think the term is a realistic one in every sense, and gives us at least some way of describing our best hope. No Evidence of Disease is just that… it doesn’t even begin to state No Disease Present. Just none that we can prove. Would you have us all state that we could always have cancer at any moment? I prefer to be a little more optimistic than that, even if it is the truth.
Besides, it is my understanding that Rebecca states more than once that she battled cancer twice. I think she demonstrates that cancer can be the gift that keeps on giving well enough.
I just switched oncologists this week, and would like to stress the importance of being comfortable with your team from the onset as well. Being unsure whether or not the individual who is essentially the quarterback for my team had my best interests at heart has been a real source of stress. You should never feel that your needs are being dismissed. Thank you for making that point. You should be told much more than just where to be for your treatment. It’s your life in question.
Thank you, Becca, for sharing your story! I also, was not told that immediate reconstruction was an option. Fortunately, I found out about it on my own before meeting with my breast surgeon for the first time. I had to ask for it. It isn’t fair.
Becca, you look amazing. Thank you for sharing your story. It is so important to let women know of their options and I hope, as I am sure you do, that this will help a few women. Too many of us miss this information. I, for one, am thrilled you used the term “No Evidence of Disease.” For me, this underscores the fact that breast cancer is not “curable” and the closest thing you can get to good news is “NED.” This is the term doctors use – I have a copy of my last pathology report that says “no evidence of disease.”
Good job, lady. I’m proud of you.
Really wish they addressed the actual breast recon procedures available these days, in particular the one-step with alloderm procedure that many are flocking to, yet still have to fly out of town and often pay big to get it done. Especially while they had a plastic surgeon of this caliber on the couch…