Sir, – Recent coverage regarding prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction (Health + Family, May 21st) highlights some of the positive results regarding breast cancer treatment and prevention in Ireland. However, two points should be clarified. First, the article correctly highlights that the rate of post-mastectomy reconstruction during 2011 in the UK as 21 per cent, in Ireland during this period it was in fact significantly higher at 29 per cent; our current experience in 2013, with eight cancer centres treating breast disease complete with surgeons trained in both cancer and reconstructive surgery, is likely to be even higher.
Second, there is no “gold standard” in breast reconstruction. Recent research has shown that up to 90 per cent of women in the US have reconstruction primarily using breast implants; these patients can expect excellent results without the potential problems of moving tissue from other sites, as was the case for Angelina Jolie. There is no single best choice of breast reconstruction, the “gold standard” is to discuss all available options with patients and make sure that the type of reconstruction which best suits an individual patient is undertaken. – Yours, etc,
MALCOLM R KELL MD
FRCSI,
Consultant Breast Surgeon,
Eccles Street,
Dublin 7.