This article is part ofBreast Cancer and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series.
This article provides an overview of mastectomy and breast reconstruction choices among Black patients with breast cancer.
Treatment options can include a combination of surgery,radiation,chemotherapy, and more.
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Research indicates differences in breast cancer treatments that vary by racial/ethnic lines.
Breast Reconstruction Options
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy can involve implant or tissue reconstruction to reshape the breast.
Tissue Reconstruction
Tissue reconstruction involves whats known as aflap technique.
Another option may be to utilize both implant and tissue reconstruction procedures for the best results.
The complex reasons behind these disparities include systemic barriers to care, healthcare provider bias, and patient preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast cancer treatment is highly personalized and commonly involves a combination of treatment options.
Surgery is typically recommended for early-stage breast cancer, while chemotherapy is recommended for later-stage or quicker-growing breast cancers.
Each persons exact timeline formastectomy surgery recoverywill be slightly different.
Healing from a mastectomy on its own may take around three weeks.
Recovery can take roughly four to six weeks for people who have reconstructive surgery after mastectomy.
In most cases, yes.
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