Imagine finding out you have breast cancer and need to undergo a mastectomy. But what next? How do you move forward after such an emotional experience?

While plastic surgery is rarely covered by most insurance providers, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is a different issue. Access to this type of coverage isn't guaranteed to all women who undergo a mastectomy; there are intricate details under current laws that block women from receiving this kind of care. Elderly and underprivileged women are especially under-served with regards to breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.

Breast reconstruction surgery can be an important process in the recovery from breast cancer. By understanding the support needs of patients who have undergone breast reconstruction procedures, healthcare practitioners can better support those who have this surgery and better guide patients who might be considering the same¹.

Women's support experiences are shaped by interactions with healthcare providers, family members, friends, and other women who have experienced breast reconstruction. The most important of these needs include access to information, help with daily tasks, emotional connection, and being understood, though women's support experiences and their need for support can differ widely¹.

The Women's Health and Cancer Right Act, passed in 1998, requires insurance companies to provide coverage for postmastectomy breast reconstruction². More and more women have been undergoing postmastectomy breast reconstruction since the law was passed, but less than expected, with data showing just 33% of eligible women in the United States undergo immediate or early delayed breast reconstruction³.

Under the WHCRA², mastectomy benefits must cover:

• Reconstruction of the breast that was removed by mastectomy
• Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to make the breasts look symmetrical or balanced after mastectomy
• Any external breast prostheses (breast forms that fit into your bra) that are needed before or during the reconstruction
• Any physical complications at all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedema (fluid build-up in the arm and chest on the side of the surgery)

Breast reconstruction can be done immediately after mastectomy surgery or later as a second surgery depending on an individual's preference and needs. And there are now at least six different breast reconstruction options available to meet the varied needs different women may have⁴.

Breast reconstruction should be available to EVERY mastectomy patient. Stand up for women everywhere and sign the petition supporting custom breast reconstructions for women who have undergone a mastectomy.

More on this issue:

1. Tracey L. Carr, PhD, Gary Groot, MD, PhD, David Cochran, BSc, Mikaela Vancoughnett, BA(Hons), and Lorraine Holtslander, PhD, RN, Cancer Nursing (March 2019), "Exploring Women's Support Needs After Breast Reconstruction Surgery."
2. American Cancer Society, Inc. (2021), "Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act."
3. Sara E. Soni, MD, M. Catherine Lee, MD, and Clement K. Gwede, PhD, MPH, RN, Cancer Control (November 2017), "Disparities in Use and Access to Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction Among African American Women."
4. Edwin Wilkins, M.D., M.S., Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation (6 August 2018), "After mastectomy: Large study follows reconstruction patients for info on outcomes."
5. Breastcancer.org (19 October 2017), "More Women Having Reconstruction After Mastectomy."