One in eight.

By now, that statistic is all too familiar: according to the 2009 American Cancer Society, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. However, through a battery of treatments, including various types of surgical mastectomy, targeted chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted biotherapy, radiation, and customized nutrition, 89 percent of the 200,000 women and 77 percent of the 2,000 men diagnosed this year with breast cancer will call themselves survivors. And as the survival rate steadily rises, the need for post-breast-cancer and post-mastectomy products, treatments, and services become increasingly necessary to enhance quality of survivorship and of life.

The first known mastectomy in North America was performed in Canada in 1700 AD. What is a mastectomy? Today, a mastectomy is defined as the surgical removal of part or all of the breast, surrounding tissue, muscle, and lymph nodes that are diagnosed as cancerous. Surgery types range in scope and complexity from a biopsy, a procedure in which a sample of suspicious breast tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist, usually for the presence of cancer; a lumpectomy, which removes only the cancerous portion or tumor; to a radical mastectomy, which removes the breast, chest muscles, and all of the lymph nodes under the arm. These surgeries can leave extreme malformations that must be replaced with a custom or a pre-fabricated breast prosthesis.

Breast Prostheses—It's Not Just About Aesthetics

Replacement of an amputated breast with a properly fitted breast prosthesis is not just an aesthetic concern, it is also a physiological one. Clinical conditions inherent to physiological imbalance, similar to those seen with extremity amputations, are evident in breast amputations as well. Compensation issues including lower back pain, spinal and disc issues, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and headaches can occur with either an improperly fitted breast prosthesis or no internal reconstruction efforts. To avoid long-term chronic issues, a breast prosthesis—whether through internal reconstruction or a properly fitted external breast prosthesis—is necessary to restore and maintain physiological balance. Other clinical concerns, such as chronic lymphedema, also factor in when providing post-mastectomy services.

In order to receive a properly fitted external breast prosthesis, both male and female breast cancer survivors have turned to experienced post-mastectomy fitters. And just like other professions within O&P, the post-mastectomy profession and the scope of practice of the post-mastectomy fitter have evolved over the past 25 years. So, what is a certified fitter and what does she do? Certified fitters provide post-mastectomy services, which begin immediately after amputation, oftentimes in the hospital. Breast-care services continue through several stages until the client receives a definitive silicone breast form. Post-mastectomy services also include follow-up appointments and replacements.

Read the Full article at http://www.oandp.com/articles/2009-08_03.asp

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Excerpts from, Bra Ladies? Not on Your Life! Written by Rhonda F Turner, PhD CFom, LPO.  First Published by The O & P EDGE, August 2009