Breast reconstruction advance offers new hope after mastectomy and radiation

Treatment Terms Breast cancer Breast reconstruction Additional SEO Keywords radiation after breast cancer, double mastectomy, breast reconstruction Author Debbe Geiger and Shawn Rocco Overview Women who undergo radiation following breast cancer surgery can now experience what Megan Houk calls, "a new normalcy" thanks to a new breast reconstruction technique. It's a major step forward as studies suggest more women undergo radiation therapy following breast cancer surgery to reduce their risk of cancer recurrence, and increase their survival rates. Hero Image houk.megan_.01.blog_.jpg Preview Image Content Blocks CTA Text Learn about breast cancer treatment at Duke CTA Link Breast cancer Section Features Call To Action Header Breast reconstruction challenges after radiation Content Houk was just 34 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2006. The Wake Forest mom of three underwent a double mastectomy then radiation therapy as part of her breast cancer treatment. While radiation therapy is beneficial, it can have ill effects on the skin's ability to heal and make breast reconstruction more challenging. "Megan would have needed a flap of tissue from somewhere else in her body" to make it work, explained Duke plastic...
Source: dukehealth.org: Duke Health News - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Source Type: news