Search Results for 'mastectomy'

Surgery is a common treatment option for women with breast cancer. The surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue and the area close to it. There are many different ways of operating on breast cancer and the type of surgery will depend on the stage of the patient’s cancer. Surgery can range from breast-conserving surgery (removing part of the breast) to a full mastectomy (removing the whole breast). Many women also opt for breast reconstruction surgery which helps to restore the appearance of their breasts. Frequently for these surgeries, the patient is left with skin flaps and skin grafts to help close the wound. For skin grafts or flaps to survive and the wound to heal well a new blood supply needs to form from the underlying tissue to the grafted skin. One of the risks of these surgeries is that the skin flaps or grafts do not heal well due to ischaemia (insufficient supply of blood) or necrosis (the tissue dying).

Breast cancer survivors from around the country are urging women to join the Care for Your Pair movement, learn the warning signs for breast cancer and speak to two loved ones about breast health.

Gayle McDonagh is a firm believer in giving back to the community. So, during October when the Irish Cancer Society runs its annual Cups against Breast Cancer fundraiser as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she organises a coffee morning at her home in Co Galway.

The incidence of breast cancer is expected to double by 2040. This is attributable to increased detection, women living longer, and the fact that our western lifestyle predisposes us to this condition which affects 3,000 women and 20 men in Ireland annually.

An innovative approach to help breast cancer patients post-mastectomy has been awarded the Inaugural Allergan Innovation Award at NUI Galway. Dr Niamh O'Halloran, a researcher with the School of Medicine at NUI Galway, received the award for her project which seeks to use the body's own cells to avoid complications wih implants.