Reconstructive surgery after cancer is surgery which aims to lessen the effect of removal of the tumour. The most well known example is reconstructive surgery after breast cancer, where muscle from other parts of the body is used to create a new breast after a mastectomy, or where surgery may be used to ‘even up’ the breasts after a lumpectomy (lump surgery). Breast reconstruction can be very important psychologically, helping a woman to feel better about her body after cancer. Reconstructive surgery is also used after other cancers; particularly cancers involving the head or neck, where surgery may have affected the way the person looks. Reconstructive surgery is sometimes carried out at the same time the tumour is removed, and at other times it is done at a later date, once other treatments are completed.

Recommended Reading

Getting It Off My Chest by Janice Day
A humorous memoir with details of breast reconstruction.

Supporting a Wife with Breast Cancer – Top Tips for Husbands

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