by KYW's Lynne Adkins
A local doctor says too few women diagnosed with breast cancer are learning about their options regarding breast reconstruction.
Every year 200,000 American women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and a 2008 study shows that two-thirds of them are not told about breast reconstruction when their initial diagnosis is discussed.
Dr. Sameer Patel is a plastic surgeon at Fox Chase Cancer Center.:
“I think a lot of this is based on the primary focus which has for the longest time remained on the treatment of breast cancer. In addition, I think there's a lack of knowledge about the options that are available for reconstruction as well as some misconceptions about reconstruction.”
Patel says the aesthetic results are often better when the reconstruction is done at the time of surgery. He adds more information on the subject is needed by patients and their doctors.
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