Breast reconstruction surgery recreates the shape of the breast after mastectomy or breast conserving surgery. It can be done at the same time as breast cancer surgery (immediate reconstruction) or as a separate procedure at a later time, even many years later (delayed breast reconstruction).
While many women choose not to have reconstruction, for others there can be physical and psychological benefits. Research has shown that, in addition to the physical benefits, there can be emotional benefits such as improved body image, greater self-esteem and confidence, and lower levels of anxiety.
Official Australian hospitals data for 2006-2007 show that more than 5,000 women underwent mastectomy for breast cancer during that year.1 During the same period, 775 women were admitted to hospitals for breast cancer-related breast reconstructions.2 It is estimated that between 6% and 12% of Australian women who have mastectomy for breast cancer currently also have breast reconstruction.3 This compares with 16.5% in England (2006) and 42% in the USA (1997).4
Recent work undertaken by BCNA5 found that most women who had breast reconstruction surgery through the Australian public hospital system had their surgery within two years of being placed on the hospital waiting list. Some women, particularly those living in regional or rural areas, can wait an unacceptably long time, however -- up to five years in one regional Queensland town. We also found that 40% of women who had their reconstruction in the private health system had an out-of-pocket cost of more than $5,000.
- Health professionals should provide women who are undergoing breast cancer surgery with information about their individual options for reconstruction so that women can make informed decisions about reconstruction.
- All Australian women who have had mastectomy for breast cancer should be able to access affordable, timely and high quality breast reconstruction if desired.
- Women should be made aware that breast reconstruction surgery is available through the public hospital system.
- Measures should be implemented in every state and territory to ensure public hospital waiting list times for breast reconstruction surgery are kept as short as reasonably possible (less than two years).
- Women undergoing breast reconstruction surgery in the private system should be provided with detailed information outlining the full cost of the surgery and follow-up care.
- Research should be undertaken to investigate why reconstruction rates are relatively low in Australia.
More information
- Read the research report about BCNA's Breast Reconstruction Project
Footnotes
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC): Breast Cancer in Australia: An Overview 2009, October 2009
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC): Breast Cancer in Australia: An Overview 2009, October 2009
3. D Nesbitt, The Health Report, ABC Radio National, 5 January 2009
4. J Platt, N Baxter, T Zhong: Breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer Canadian Medical Association Journal, 13 December 2011
5. BCNA Breast Reconstruction Project Report 2011
