A breast cancer diagnosis is frightening and overwhelming. According to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide-surpassing lung cancer for the first time in 2020. More seriously, it is a leading cause of cancer death in less developed countries.
With October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we do highlight five things you may want to know before undergoing your breast cancer surgery.
Stay calm
Dennis R. Holmes, M.D., F.A.C.S., breast cancer surgeon, states that “It’s completely understandable to feel like your cancer diagnosis is a crisis that requires an urgent solution, and “get the cancer out of me quickly,” is a common request”. Dr Holmes also provides the advice on resisting the urge to treat cancer as an “emergency”. “Having the cancer removed quickly may help your anxiety, but “rushing” to surgery will not improve your chances of surviving breast cancer or avoiding a recurrence”, says Dr Holmes. For the best result, it is important to learn about all of treatment options to avoid making hasty decisions that might compromise your outcome. “This sometimes means completing chemotherapy BEFORE surgery, and it is completely safe to take a few weeks to figure out what approach is best for you and your cancer”, says Dr Holmes.
Make sure your plastic surgeon is qualified
If you are going in for a major surgery like breast cancer surgey, it is pivotal to know how qualified your physician is for your up-and-coming procedure, and you may need need a breast cancer surgeon that specializes in reconstruction techniques.
According to Breast Care Center, always look for a breast surgeon who is certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS has strict membership prerequisites that include training and board certification to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Additionally, they have an online database and search engine where you can look up your list of surgeons. Although there are many boards out there, the ABPS is the one you should pay close attention to. They are the central and trusted source for plastic surgery.
Breast reconstruction option to rebuild confidence
Breast reconstruction is an option for women who want to restore their natural appearance after breast cancer surgery.
During breast reconstruction, reconstructive surgeon can restore your breast using either an breast implant to reshape and reform your breast or your own tissue (flap procedure) to rebuild your breast.
According to breastcancercare.org, researches have shown that immediate breast reconstruction can help a woman adjust to the changes to her body. Most women who have breast reconstruction are satisfied with the results and feel more confident afterwards.
Post-operative care
To help your breasts heal properly and to minimize scarring after breast cancer surgery, make sure that you are following your doctor’s post-operative instructions exactly.
According breastcancer.org, ask your surgeon or nurse how to take care of the mastectomy bandage. The surgeon may ask that you not try to remove the bandage, and instead wait until your first follow-up visit so that he or she can remove the bandage. As per stitches and staples, most surgeons use sutures (stitches) that dissolve over time, so there’s no longer any need to have them removed. But occasionally, you’ll see the end of the suture poking out of the incision like a whisker. If this happens, your surgeon can easily remove it. Surgical staples – another way of closing the incision – are removed during the first doctor visit after surgery.
Begin scar treatment early
Beginning scar treatment early is a effective way to help minimize scarring after your breast cancer surgery. While you should follow your doctor’s medical instructions for when to start scar treatment, it is basically recommended once the wound is closed (10 to 14 days post-operation).
Like any surgically invasive procedure, beast cancer surgery might cause scars from small to significant ones. The key is to use a non-invasive treatment that has been proven to be safe and effective in managing scars. Topical silicone gel has been on the market for over 30 years, and numerous clinical studies support its effectiveness in flattening and reducing the appearance of scars such as keloids and hypertropic scars.
We do recommend Nourisil™ MD scar cream for scar management after breast cancer surgery because of its unique benefits differentiating from other silicone gel products on the market. Nourisil™ MD contains a unique blend of 5 silicones and Vitamin E to help heal scars. Additionally, Nourisil™ MD is an ultra-light, transparent, non-sticky, and self-drying silicone gel (only within 60 seconds), all of which make it to be suitable for your scar care.
Shop Nourisil™ MD scar cream to take an important step toward looking better after breast cancer surgery.