Learning that you carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene change is a life-changing moment. These gene changes greatly raise the lifetime risk of breast cancer — up to about 72% for BRCA1 carriers and up to about 69% for BRCA2 carriers. For many women facing this, a preventive (prophylactic) mastectomy — removing both breasts before any cancer develops — is a strong way to take control of their health. But this decision is about far more than the surgery itself. To make a choice that fee

After a mastectomy, many women feel pushed to have breast reconstruction right away. But there is another choice. More and more women make it with confidence and pride: going flat. Choosing not to have reconstruction is a deeply personal decision. It is just as valid as choosing to reconstruct. This article explains what going flat means. It describes what recovery is like. It also helps you make a choice that feels right for you. What Does 'Going Flat' Mean? Going flat means

When a breast tumour is in the upper or outer (side) part of the breast, a lumpectomy can leave a large gap that changes the breast’s shape. For women with smaller breasts, or larger tumours in these areas, simply rearranging the tissue may not give enough volume to restore a natural look. This is where the LICAP flap — the Lateral Intercostal Artery Perforator flap — offers an effective solution that combines removing the cancer with reshaping the breast in one operation (an

Discover why secondary (delayed) breast reconstruction after cancer treatment offers unique advantages including emotional clarity, better surgical outcomes, and the full range of reconstruction options. Learn how waiting can bring peace of mind.

Why More Women Are Choosing to Go Flat After Mastectomy After a breast cancer diagnosis, one of the most personal decisions you face is whether to have breast reconstruction. Many women choose to rebuild their breast shape with surgery. But a growing number make the equally valid choice not to have reconstruction at all. This choice, often called “going flat” or “living flat,” is a powerful one. It comes with many physical, emotional, and practical advantages that are worth e

Radiation therapy is one of the most important things that affects the result of breast reconstruction. Maybe you are planning reconstruction before, during, or after radiation. Either way, it helps to understand how radiation changes your tissue, so you can make good decisions with your surgical team. This guide explains what radiation does to breast tissue, and how that shapes your reconstruction options. How Radiation Changes Breast Tissue Radiation therapy targets cancer

Facing breast reconstruction raises many questions. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or preparing for surgery, having clear and reliable information can help you feel more confident about the decisions ahead. Below, we answer the most common questions patients ask about breast reconstruction. General Questions What is breast reconstruction? Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores the shape and appearance of the breast after a mastecto

Breast-conserving surgery, often called a lumpectomy, lets you keep your natural breast while still treating the cancer well. Unlike a mastectomy, which removes the whole breast, a lumpectomy removes only the tumour and a small edge of healthy tissue around it. This keeps most of your breast. Combined with radiation, it treats the cancer effectively. Still, even though a lumpectomy keeps most of the breast, it can sometimes change the breast’s shape or make the two sides look

Breast reconstruction is not a separate step. It is one part of your full breast cancer treatment. When you understand how reconstruction fits with your other treatments, it is easier to make a clear plan. That plan covers two goals: treating the cancer and helping you feel good afterward. The Order of Breast Cancer Treatment Most breast cancer treatment follows a general order. Your own plan may differ, based on the type of cancer and your health. The main steps are: Diagnos

This article is based on the book “Breast Reconstruction Explained” by Dr. Mahyar Foumani. The type of breast cancer surgery you have — a mastectomy or a lumpectomy — shapes your reconstruction options and your result. Each one gives a different starting point for rebuilding, with its own possibilities and points to weigh. When you understand these differences, you can make well-informed choices that fit both your own wishes and your medical situation. Only when you have a cl