Breast reconstruction: implications for educators.

Recent developments in the field of breast reconstruction have now made it possible to reconstruct virtually any mastectomy patient. The knowledge that this is possible can provide tremendous reassurance for a patient facing mastectomy, encouragement for the woman who has discovered a breast lump, and most importantly, vital emotional support for persuading women to perform breast self examination. As such, the field of breast reconstruction presents health educators with a tremendous opportunity to make a significant impact upon the survival statistics of breast cancer in this country. The challenge is there for all of us, and only by a continuing cooperative effort on the part of all those involved in women's health education can we hope to improve the outlook for the breast cancer patient in this country.