‘Lack of insurance cover keeps away cancer survivors from breast reconstruction’

Coimbatore: With a growing number of women under 40 are getting detected with breast cancer, a few plastic surgeons and oncologists have begun specializing in breast reconstruction. While doctors focus on breast conservation in cases of early detection in young patients, they advise reconstruction in cases where whole breast has to be removed. However, the cost of the reconstructive surgery and the fact that insurance does not cover it has kept many breast cancer survivors away from the procedure.

Breast cancer, the most common form of cancer affecting women in the country, was once considered an old woman’s disease. But now more number of women under 40 are diagnosed of the disease. “Almost 20% to 30% of our breast cancer patients are under 40,” says Dr Arulraj, an onco-surgeon at GKNM Hospital.

While breast conservation is growing in popularity, it can be done only in cases where the cancer is detected early. “Fortunately, almost 70% of patients come with stage one or stage two cancer. For them we can just remove cancerous lump and conserve remaining breast,” he said.

In cases of late detection, oncologists prescribe a mastectomy. “A lot of patients under 40 find it difficult to feel confident after their breasts are removed. They often cannot wear the clothes they used to and feel uncomfortable to attend social events,” said Raja Shanmuga Krishnan, plastic surgeon at Ganga Hospital. “For them breast reconstruction will help regain their confidence,” he said.

However, oncologists say breast reconstruction is yet to catch up in the city. “Though we offer reconstruction through various techniques, the number of women opting for it is low. Our focus is on starting treatment as soon as possible. The breast removal surgery itself can’t be afforded by patient without good insurance cover,” said Arulraj.

In Sri Ramakrishna Hospital too, breast reconstruction is not offered to patients. “Until insurances start covering breast reconstruction as in many foreign countries, it will always remain unaffordable,” said an oncologist from the hospital.

Breast reconstruction can be autologous, where tissues and blood vessels are taken from lower abdomen or upper thighs to reconstruct breast, or can use silicone implants. “But there is lesser risk of infection in autologous reconstruction as implants have to be replaced every 10 years,” said Krishnan.