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Mastectomy plus reconstruction has highest rate of complication, complication-related costs of guideline-concordant therapies for early breast cancer

A new study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that mastectomy plus reconstruction has the highest rate of complications and complication-related costs among guideline-concordant therapies for early breast cancer. The study also revealed that this treatment option is the most expensive in younger patients, wit...

No increase in complications of breast reconstruction over age 65, reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found no significant difference in overall complications between older and younger women undergoing breast reconstruction. However, the risk of blood clot-related complications was significantly higher in older women who underwent autologous reconstruction using their own tissues.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJan 28, 2015

Increase seen in use of double mastectomy

A study found a substantial increase in double mastectomy use among California women with early-stage breast cancer between 1998 and 2011. Despite the procedure's lack of association with lower mortality rates compared to breast-conserving surgery plus radiation, its higher risk of death was noted.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2014

Patient perspectives on breast reconstruction following mastectomy

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that only 24.8% of women who underwent mastectomy in the US had breast reconstruction, with factors including race, education level, and age being significant predictors. The main reasons for not undergoing reconstruction were avoiding additional surgery or feeling reconstruction was not important.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 20, 2014

Marginal life expectancy benefit from contralateral prophylactic mastectomy

A recent study published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) may confer only a marginal life expectancy benefit depending on the type and stage of cancer. The procedure was more beneficial for younger women and those with stage I and ER-negative breast cancer.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 16, 2014