Putting Women’s Health First: The Importance of Breast Screening and Modern Surgery
Women often juggle careers, family responsibilities, and caregiving roles. In the midst of looking after others, their own health can slip down the priority list. But making time for regular breast screening truly saves lives. Early detection means better treatment options, less invasive surgery, and improved survival. Encouraging the women you love — and yourself — to prioritise screening is a powerful step in protecting health and wellbeing.
In Australia, the risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 7 women. That means most of us know someone — a friend, relative, or colleague — who has been affected. Thankfully, treatments have advanced dramatically, and surgery now offers far more personalised and less invasive options than in the past.
Surgery Has Come a Long Way
For most women diagnosed with breast cancer, surgery remains a cornerstone of treatment. The choice of operation depends on several factors: the tumour’s size and location, breast shape and size, individual health, and personal preferences.
Not everyone needs a mastectomy, and importantly, mastectomy does not always mean improved survival. In fact, some studies suggest women may actually do better in the long term with breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy plus radiotherapy), though the reasons are still being studied.
The Role of Oncoplastic Surgery
Modern surgery increasingly uses oncoplastic techniques — combining safe cancer removal with reconstructive methods to optimise the cosmetic outcome. These approaches allow women to keep the shape and appearance of their breasts wherever possible, while ensuring the cancer is effectively treated.
Oncoplastic surgery may involve:
- Volume displacement: reshaping the remaining breast tissue after the tumour is removed.
- Volume replacement: using tissue from another part of the body to fill the space left behind.
The benefits are significant: improved body image, reduced psychological distress, and avoidance of implants or foreign material when using the woman’s own tissue.
Options After Mastectomy
When mastectomy is necessary or preferred, reconstruction can be performed at the same time or later. This may involve:
- Implant-based reconstruction with expanders or silicone implants.
- Autologous reconstruction, where plastic surgeons use the woman’s own tissue to recreate a breast mound without an implant.
Both approaches aim to restore a natural appearance and improve quality of life after cancer treatment.
Looking Ahead
Oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery continue to evolve, offering women better cosmetic outcomes, less disruption to body image, and improved psychological wellbeing. With these advances, treatment is no longer just about survival — it’s also about recovery, confidence, and quality of life.
Seeking care from an appropriately trained surgeon is essential to ensure the best results, both medically and emotionally.
