Breast cancer continues to plague Western societies. The number of women who are affected with breast cancer is staggering and the most weighted recommendations continue to support the claim that early diagnosis and prevention is key to survival. But the rising incidence of breast cancer cases continues to undermine all known efforts to control the disease.

Several years ago, I visited a large urban hospital in Taiwan and discussed the incidence of breast cancer with many of the most famed reconstructive microsurgeons in the world. In Taiwan, like many other Asian countries, the incidence of breast cancer has remained lower than in Western countries, but time and time again, physicians continued to point out that they are seeing far more cases of breast cancer in the recent two decades. The increase in breast cancer cases is likely due to a shift in the societal fabric of many Asian countries. Diet in these nations continues to trend towards Westernized fast food and a decrease in fresh fruits and vegetables and an increase in the per capita consumption of meats. 

As a plastic surgeon, I regularly see patients who have successfully undergone breast cancer surgery (mastectomy and lumpectomy) and have been fortunate enough to see patients who are recovered from their breast cancer and are now in need of breast reconstruction.  For these patients, I perform needed breast reconstruction, including placement of breast implants, tissue expanders, and/or use muscle flaps to recreate the contour of the breast.  

But…I am constantly reminded of the need for early diagnosis and treatment. A paper that came across my desk recently provided valuable insight in breast cancer in Asian countries. According to the authors at the USC Department of Preventative Medicine (Drs. AH Wu, MC Yu, CC Tseng, and MC Pike), there is a correlation between the consumption of soy food products in Asian cultures and the lower incidence of breast cancer. This leads us to conclude that increased soy food intake may actually have a protective effect on reducing breast cancer risk in patients who have no personal history of breast cancer. The paper is insightful and adds relevant information for the practicing physician to recommend a diet that is higher in phytoestrogens as a means of reducing the incidence of breast cancer. 

Patients with breast cancer or a suspicious lump in the breast should always seek the advice of their physician. Routine mammograms are recommended and I always recommend that patients should perform self examination at least once monthly. In the Los Angeles area, I am available for breast cancer reconstruction or breast reconstruction. 

Breast cancer reconstruction is an important part of plastic surgery and integrates the fundamental principles of cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery.  Breast cancer reconstruction can be performed using breast implants (silicone or saline), breast lifting, breast reduction, or flap reconstruction.