BREAST reconstruction is defined as the reshaping of breast tissue after breast cancer surgery. This is usually performed after a mastectomy (the complete removal of the breast) but is sometimes done for those having lumpectomy (breast conserving surgery). A full breast reconstruction service is offered in Bournemouth for patients with breast cancer.

There are broadly three approaches to reconstruction. Breast implants are usually inserted in two stages. Firstly, a tissue expander is inserted beneath the skin, which works like a balloon to create a space for the permanent silicon implant which is inserted at a second operation for the longer term. Secondly, we can offer latissimus dorsi flap and TRAM flap reconstructions in suitable women. These procedures involve moving skin and muscle from the back or abdomen, sometimes using an implant as well. It is more major surgery and, consequently, with a longer recovery time, but the results are usually very good.

Finally, we sometimes refer patients to Salisbury for more extensive surgery, involving free flaps (microsurgery), but this is not always suitable for our patients.

Reconstruction can be done at the same time as the mastectomy (immediate) or after a certain period of time (delayed). When delayed, it might be because further treatment is needed (e.g. radiotherapy or chemotherapy), or perhaps as a result of patient preference. The delay can vary from months to many years.

There are no advantages to immediate or delayed reconstruction; the detection of recurrence or new cancers is not compromised (using examination or mammography) as a result.

Many patients benefit hugely from breast reshaping, gaining valuable psychological support at an obviously traumatic time. Others prefer not to undergo the additional surgery that is required and are very happy with a prosthesis worn in a special bra.

We offer reconstruction to most of our patients and do not have an age limiting policy. Non-suitability is usually a consequence of other medical conditions. We currently perform around 25-30 reconstructions per year in Bournemouth. This amounts to about half of those patients having a mastectomy (which is a little higher than the national average).

Complications occasionally happen, but fundamentally the cancer treatment (surgery and other therapies) is not affected or compromised. We also endeavour to achieve breast symmetry as the ultimate goal and this sometimes means operations on the other breast (such as reduction, elevation, or augmentation). We can rebuild the nipple that is inevitably removed in the mastectomy and can then tattoo around it to recreate the areola. This service is also offered to patients outside our vicinity. If you have had breast cancer and would like to know more, you can contact your GP or our breast care nurses (01202 704524). Alternatively, the following websites have good information: www.breastcancercare.org.uk, www.cancerbackup.org.uk, and www.breakthrough.org.uk.

Dexter Perry, Breast and Melanoma (skin cancer) Surgeon

Support for patients with breast cancer

The Poole and Bournemouth Breast Cancer Support Group meets at the Durley Hall Hotel on the third Tuesday of each month from 7pm until 9 pm. For further details contact the Breast Care Nurses at Poole Hospital on 01202 442861 or at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on 01202 704524.

For a support group with a difference you can join the Pink Champagne Dragon Boat Team. Pink Champagne is the fourth dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors in the UK - there are more than 128 teams worldwide. The team was set up in Dorset to help raise breast cancer awareness and demonstrate that women living with breast cancer can lead full and active lives.

Noeline Young, Cancer Service Development Manager, said: “Dragon boat racing is colourful, hard-work and a wonderful exercise after breast cancer. All over the world women who are survivors in every sense of the word are demonstrating their ‘can do’ attitude as they take part in Dragon Boat Racing.”

Anyone can join in if they have completed treatment at any age or level of fitness as long as you are willing to take part in the training. The families also join in to support the ladies and gain support from each other.

Contact either the Pink Champagne Dragon Boat Team on 07833 775559 or contact the Breast Care Nurses at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital on 01202 704524 or log on to www.pinkchampagne.org.uk

Bournemouth becomes pilot site for cancer survivorship programme

The Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been accepted as a pilot site for a national cancer survivorship programme.

The aim is to enable cancer patients to pursue as normal a life as possible through a rehabilitation programme which improves well being and promotes self care. Lifestyle is known to influence survival rates for breast and bowel cancer so exercise, weight control and psychological health are hugely important.

The project assesses patients at diagnosis, identifies any risks and then determines an individual care plans which includes diet management and exercise. The programme also involves family and carers to help patients maintain the changes in their lifestyle.

Noeline Young, Cancer Service Development Manager, said: “Cancer survivors often limit their occupational and leisure pursuits due to a fear of physical activity or complications following their treatment for cancer. Our approach to care is to move the focus from acute care and treatment of patients, to improving the survivorship experience and integrating cancer patients back into normal community life.”

The Foundation Trust is part of the Dorset Cancer Network and will be working on the programme with local NHS partners and organisations such as Bournemouth University, GPs, and health and fitness clubs to name a few. Useful links: www.dorsetcancer.nhs.uk