Breast Cancer Recovery: The Essential Role of Reconstruction

Breast cancer doesn't end with surgery. Nor does it end with chemotherapy or the last oncological consultation. It ends – if anything – when a woman manages to look in the mirror and recognize herself again, when she feels whole and ready to resume her life. This stage, physical and emotional reconstruction, is as essential as any other moment of treatment, although it is often less visible.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, 31,043 new breast cancer (BC)[1] cases were registered in Mexico as of 2022, making it the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide[2].

However, medical advances, timely diagnosis, and the promotion of self-examination have allowed Mexico’s five-year survival rate to reach 78.5%,[3] a figure that reflects significant progress, but also a challenge: to ensure that life after cancer is full and dignified.

Talking about breast reconstruction is not an aesthetic issue, it is a matter of comprehensive health. The loss of a breast after a mastectomy generates an emotional impact. Reconstruction, whether immediate or delayed, represents the possibility of recovering body image and, with it, confidence, self-esteem and the ability to fully reintegrate into social and professional life.

Medical evidence has shown that this procedure does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence, but it does substantially improve the quality of life and mental health of patients[4].

Every woman is unique, and so is her treatment. Therefore, breast reconstruction must be evaluated within a multidisciplinary model in which plastic surgeons, oncologists, psychologists and orthopedists participate. Only through comprehensive care is it possible to define the most appropriate time and technique for each case, either through the use of implants and expanders, which offer a faster recovery, or through autologous flaps, which imply a more extensive but equally safe and effective surgery.

At Johnson & Johnson MedTech, we believe that comprehensive breast cancer treatment, including breast reconstruction, should be a pathway of treatment within our healthcare system for cancer survivors.

For this reason, for more than four decades we have accompanied doctors, institutions and patient associations in Mexico, providing innovation, safety and knowledge through breast implants designed to improve the surgical experience and clinical results.

Our commitment has been, and continues to be, to offer solutions that transform the lives of women with the highest quality and scientific support. For those who are going through a breast cancer process, it is advisable to consult a certified plastic surgeon to evaluate breast reconstruction options.

Thousands of women choose reconstruction after breast cancer, but each woman's decision is unique and personal. We are here to provide support and help them in their journey.

Learn more on our resources page at: https://breastimplantsbymentor.net/es-419/reconstruction

[1] International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO. Retrieved October 4, 2024 from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/online-analysis-pie?v=2018&mode=cancer&mode_population=continents&population=900&populations=484&key=total&sex=0&cancer=39&type=0&statistic=5&prevalence=0&population_group=0&ages_group%5B%5D=0&ages_group%5B%5D=17&nb_items=7&group_cancer=1&include_nmsc=1&include_nmsc_other=1&half_pie=0&donut=0&population_group_globocan_id=#

[2] International Agency for Research on Cancer. Accessed October 4, 2024: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/484-mexico-fact-sheet.pdf

[3]  Dorado-Roncancio, Elkin Fabián, Vázquez-Nares, Jose Jaime, Hernandez-Garibay, César Augusto, García González, Ilian Janet. 5-year survival of patients with breast cancer: experience in an institution in Jalisco, Mexico. Ginecol. obstet. Méx.  [online magazine]. 2020 [cited 2024 Oct 12] ;  88( 5 ): 312-320. Available in:https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0300-90412020000500312#:~:text=El%20principal%20determinante%20de%20la,para%20tumores%20diseminados%20de%2027%25  

[4] Breast reconstruction with implants. Accessed October 4, 2024: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/tests-procedures/breast-reconstruction-implants/about/pac-20384934