ABSTRACT
The offer of immediate breast reconstruction to a woman undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer is usually viewed as ‘good news’ at an emotionally traumatic moment in her life. Breast reconstruction significantly reduces the psychological morbidity associated with mastectomy with improvements in emotional, social and functional well-being.1-3
Nonetheless, the decision whether to accept reconstruction or not remains a matter of individual choice and the patient herself is the final arbiter. Reconstruction does not enhance survival or impact on mortality, yet ameliorates some of the associated psychological morbidity. Unlike procedures such as cosmetic enhancement, it should not be regarded as a ‘luxury’ operation.
