Program raises awareness of breast reconstruction to support cancer patients

Supported by United States-based pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Co, the China Primary Health Care Foundation launched a public education program in China, aiming at publicizing knowledge and acceptance about breast reconstruction to support breast cancer patients in the country.

Through a series of public education activities, the program is expected to raise doctors' and patients' understanding of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction treatments, encourage women to pay attention to their breast heath, and call upon society to create a safe space for open dialogue in support of breast cancer patients.

Data from the Chinese National Central Cancer Registry showed that in 2019, 304,000 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the country, and the affected population trended significantly towards a younger age demographic.

"Currently, getting patients back to normal life after breast cancer operations has become increasingly important," said Yin Jian, director of the Breast Reconstruction Department at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital.

She noted that in 2017, China's breast reconstruction rate was only 10 percent, much lower than the level in developed countries, which was 40 percent.

"High morbidity and low rate of reconstruction left women in the shadow of losing breasts after breast cancer operation, which brings great pressure and turmoil," she said.

Stefan Chen, general manager of the Cardiovascular & Specialty Solutions Group of Johnson & Johnson Medical China, said that after mastectomy, or breast removal operation, many patients were unaware of the option of breast reconstruction, and missed the best time for breast reconstruction surgery. With the loss of their breasts, many patients experienced a lack of confidence, and were unable to regain a normal life even years after the breast removal operation.

"Breast reconstruction today is a mature and scientific medical solution that is clinically proven globally," he said.

"Breast reconstruction not only can help patients regain their breasts and feel complete again, but is instrumental in improving cancer survivors' psychological condition and quality of life," Yin said.

The public education program marked Oct 16 as the first China Breast Reconstruction Awareness and Care Day to raise public awareness and support breast cancer patients.

According to the China Primary Health Care Foundation, a series of public education activities will be launched nationwide, covering cities that include Guangzhou, Shanghai, Xi'an and Chongqing.