Breast Reconstruction Fact Sheet: Important Issues on the Road to Recovery
Breast Reconstruction Press Kit
History
Breast reconstruction surgery has come a long way. Today, plastic surgeons are able to offer patients a variety of options, including the use of a tissue expander followed by a saline or silicone implant, a TRAM flap, implant alone, a DIEP flap and the use of fat cells.
Statistics
In 2007, according to the American Cancer Society, 176,295 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2008, according to Susan B. Komen for the Cure, an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States. An estimated 40,480 women will die from breast cancer in 2008. Each year, 78,000 mastectomies are performed, according to the National Center for Health.
In 2007, approximately 57,100 breast reconstruction procedures were performed:
- 50% were women ages 40-54
- 33% were women aged 55+
- 12% were women ages 30-39
- Less than 3% were women ages 20-29
Women chose the following types of procedures:
- Tissue expander and implant - 34,020
- TRAM flap - 10,010
- Implant alone - 9,070
- DIEP flap - 4,000
Resources for Patients
Knowledge about the full range of available options is key for women undergoing breast cancer care. In addition to speaking with their doctor, family and friends, there are many educational resources available on the web, including:
