Approximately 1 in 8 (left side content)

This makes it one of the most common cancers in women. In the past, these women underwent removal of the breast as the primary treatment and had to live the rest of their life with significant asymmetry and a daily reminder of the loss of part of their feminine form and their identity. Over time, it was realized that reconstruction of the beast is an important part of a woman’s physical and emotional recovery after breast cancer treatment. In 1998, the passing of the Womens’ Health and Cancer Rights Act, solidified the view that reconstruction was an essential part of breast cancer treatment. This federal mandate states that all commercial health insurance carriers must cover breast reconstruction procedures. In addition, numerous studies have shown that breast reconstruction can improve a woman’s quality of life and self-esteem while not compromising the outcomes of her cancer treatment. Over the years, the surgical techniques for treatment of breast cancer have become less aggressive, and breast reconstruction techniques have improved.