Dr. Scot Glasberg wants to remind all women that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which gives us an opportunity to recognize the importance of detecting breast cancer early. It is an annual campaign that is intended to educate men and women about early screening, testing and more. 

Other than some forms of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. About 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s not as common in men but less than 1% of men have been diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Symptoms of breast cancer can vary but the most common symptoms can include:

• A change in the shape or size of the breast
• Pain that is experienced in any part of the breast
• A discharge, other than breast milk, from the nipple. (this can include blood)
• A lump in either the breast or armpit area

If found early, most women can beat breast cancer. Screenings, such as a mammogram, ultrasound of the breast, or MRI can help detect breast cancer early – when it’s easier to treat. 

For those women who have had surgery as part of their treatment for breast cancer, some may choose to have reconstructive breast surgery to restore and rebuild the shape and look of their breasts. There are several different types of breast reconstruction procedures available yet the timing of the procedure will depend on a few factors, such as a physical examination by Dr. Glasberg, the risk factors that may be involved, and the post-cancer surgery treatments you may still need to undergo.

There are many types of breast reconstruction procedures but two of the most common procedures available include either using breast implants, silicone or saline-based or using your body tissue, known as a tissue flap procedure. Sometimes a combination of a breast implant and a tissue flap procedure are used to reconstruct your breast.

For women who have had a more conservative breast cancer surgery, such as a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, procedures such as fat grafting or a smaller breast implant may be performed to reconstruct the breast.

In addition to your breast reconstruction, Dr. Glasberg can add a nipple, change the shape and size of the breast that is being reconstructed, and adjust the shape of your opposite breast to match the symmetry of your reconstructed breast. 

While these options are available to you post-cancer surgery, please use this Breast Cancer Awareness Month to schedule your mammogram and a follow-up breast examination so that if it is cancer, your outcome will be a positive one.

For more information about breast reconstruction, please contact our office.