Woman to Woman: Breast Cancer and Reconstruction--Options

A panel of seven breast cancer survivors share their personal journeys from diagnosis to treatment decisions, examining reconstruction options, and finally offering messages of hope. Interwoven throughout the program are interviews with physicians and medical experts about the surgical and reconstruction options available. Explained in layperson's terms, using simple animation graphics and accompanied by ‘before and after' photos, the options include the TRAM flap (a piece of stomach tissue is re-located and formed into the missing breast), a LAT flap (similar to a TRAM except skin and fat is taken from under the arm or back and re-located to form the breast--and is usually combined with an implant), tissue expanders with saline or silicone implants, as well as the decision not to have reconstructive surgery. Risk factors (such as the fact that Jewish women are more likely to get breast cancer than the general population, and African-American women are more prone to aggressive forms of breast cancer than any other group), the over fifty at-risk group and family history are all discussed. Finally, viewers are told that cancer research and medical advances over the last five years (including earlier detection and better therapies) are allowing women the decision-making control in the fight for their own lives. What an amazing group of words: breast cancer, options, choices, hope. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (N. Plympton)