Care Guideline #8 For Young Women With Breast Cancer: Reconstruction
Rethink’s Care Guideline #8 says that young women should be fully informed about choices around breast reconstruction – the different options for reconstruction (including opting out of reconstruction), risks associated with surgery, and the reality of the look and feel of “new breasts.”
“With respect to breast reconstruction, all options (and their risks & benefits) need to be offered to every patient, with the decision on their own importance being left to the patient. Although it is a stressful time, it is an added stress when you feel you are not being fully informed. Knowing what I know now, I would make different decisions.” -Laura, diagnosed at age 38
