The successful treatment of breast cancer and the likelihood of long-term survival for women with breast cancer depends critically on the stage of the disease when diagnosed.

Self-breast examination, regular clinical breast examinations by medical professionals, and annual screening with X-ray mammography are the main tools of early detection of breast cancer.

Of these three, screening mammography combined with clinical breast examination is the most effective detection method. In the United States, yearly screening mammography is recommended for women over the age of 40.

Detected in its earliest stages, appropriate treatment results in a ten-year survival rate of over 90%. New cases of breast cancer have been gradually increasing in recent years, and will likely continue to do so as the population ages.

However, the chance of dying from breast cancer has been steadily falling by about 1-2% a year. This improvement is due to early detection and newer treatments like hormonal therapy and better chemotherapy.

Breast reconstruction at the time of mastectomy or at a later date can help restore a normal appearance, and the techniques for achieving this have advanced greatly. The goal of reconstruction is to restore symmetry of the breasts when a woman is dressed. The difference between the reconstructed breast and the unaffected breast can be seen when the woman is nude. Reconstruction will not restore normal sensation.

Breast reconstruction can often be done at the time of the mastectomy, if the woman chooses it and if her medical oncologist and surgeon agree. There are various techniques for reconstructing the breast. For most patients, the reconstruction will require two to three surgical procedures.

The first surgery is the reconstruction of the shape of the breast. Sometimes additional surgery is necessary to alter the shape or placement of an implant or to modify the opposite breast for better symmetry. An additional minor procedure involves reconstruction of the nipple/areolar area.

Many women choose not to undergo breast reconstruction. For these women, there are a variety of prostheses that can be worn in the bra to give a natural contour and symmetry.

In addition to surgery, other treatments including hormonal therapy, radiation, and chemotherapy may be included to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve the chances of long-term survival. These treatments have their own side effects, which your doctor will discuss with you.

The hospital stay varies from 1 to 3 days, depending on the type of surgery. Longer stays are common if breast reconstruction is included. As discussed earlier, surgical drains are commonly placed to remove any fluid that might collect.

Drains may be left in at the time of discharge from the hospital, and you will be instructed to measure the fluid that drains from them. Stitches are often placed under the skin and dissolve on their own. If non-dissolving stitches or clips are used, they are typically removed 7 to 10 days after surgery. Full recovery may take as long as 3-6 weeks.

It takes time for a woman to adjust to the loss of a breast. Talking to other women who have had mastectomies, to their partners, and family can help deal with these feelings. A health care provider can help locate support groups for the woman and her family. A mental health professional can help a woman and her family adjust.