When the battle with breast cancer ends in mastectomy, the journey of healing has only just begun. But for thousands of Indian women, this second chapter, the chance to feel whole again, remains out of reach. On Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (today, 15 October), voices from the medical community are urging for a cultural and clinical reset in how we approach breast cancer recovery.
In India, breast cancer is now the most common cancer affecting women, with 192,020 new cases reported in 2022 alone. Disturbingly, over 60% of these are detected late, at Stage 3 or 4, where mastectomy becomes essential. But while the West has embraced reconstruction as a standard part of post-cancer care, only 1% of Indian women receive this restorative surgery, compared to more than 60% abroad.
“This is not about capability. We have the surgical expertise in India,” says Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan, Lead, Plastic and Breast Reconstructive Surgery, Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, New Delhi. “What’s missing is awareness, education, and a societal shift in how we view reconstruction, not as vanity, but as healing.”
Breast reconstruction isn’t a cosmetic makeover. It’s a vital step in a woman’s return to herself after the trauma of cancer. Using either implants or tissue from the woman’s own body, reconstruction helps restore the natural shape of the breast, and with it, a sense of dignity, identity, and self-worth. “The psychological impact of mastectomy is profound,” says Dr. Ramakrishnan. “Reconstruction can help women feel whole again, emotionally and physically.”
Global studies show that women who undergo reconstruction experience lower rates of depression and anxiety, and report significantly higher body confidence and quality of life.
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Reconstruction is safer, smarter and more successful than ever. Here’s what’s new:
DIEP flap technique: Uses a woman’s abdominal tissue to reconstruct the breast, with a 99% success rate in experienced hands. Natural look and feel: The new breast ages naturally and can even improve body contour. Combined surgery benefits: Mastectomy and reconstruction done together can reduce the need for radiotherapy. No increased cancer risk: Reconstruction has no impact on recurrence or future treatment. Minimal extra surgery time: Adds just two hours to a single mastectomy procedure.
Many Indian women simply aren’t told that reconstruction is even an option. Cultural hesitations, financial concerns, and the misbelief that reconstruction is just a cosmetic extra keep it out of reach for the majority. Dr. Ramakrishnan stresses: “We need to educate not just patients, but many healthcare providers as well. Reconstruction should be discussed at diagnosis, not as an afterthought.”
Change is coming, slowly. Apollo Athenaa’s BRAVE initiative (Breast Reconstruction Awareness, Voice & Education) is leading efforts to spread awareness, build clinical capacity, and push for reconstruction to be recognised and covered as a medical necessity.
Key steps India must take include:
Training more reconstructive surgeons
Building multidisciplinary cancer care teams
Ensuring insurance coverage for reconstruction
Creating one-stop centres for surgery, reconstruction, and rehab
Normalising conversations around body image and survivorship
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The average Indian breast cancer patient is in her 40s or early 50s, women still deeply engaged in careers, families, and relationships. Reconstruction can mean the difference between simply surviving and fully living. As Dr. Ramakrishnan puts it:
“Reconstruction isn’t about vanity. It’s about dignity. It’s about restoring what cancer took away, so women can move forward, whole in body and spirit.”
FAQs on breast reconstruction:
1. What is breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to restore the shape and appearance of the breast after a mastectomy (breast removal) or lumpectomy (partial breast removal), typically due to breast cancer or other medical conditions.
2. What are the types of breast reconstruction?
There are two main types:
Implant-based reconstruction – uses saline or silicone implants.
Autologous (or flap) reconstruction – uses tissue from another part of your body (like the abdomen, back, or thighs).
3. When can breast reconstruction be done?
It can be performed:
Immediately – during the same surgery as the mastectomy.
Delayed – weeks, months, or even years later, depending on your treatment plan and personal preference.
4. What are the risks or complications of breast reconstruction?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, implant complications, or issues with the healing of transplanted tissue (in flap procedures).
5. Will breast reconstruction affect cancer treatment or detection?
Breast reconstruction does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence and typically does not interfere with chemotherapy or radiation. However, radiation may affect the outcome of reconstruction, and your doctor will help plan the timing accordingly.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis
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