Don’t Let Body Image Concerns Limit Breast Cancer Screenings PRMA Plastic Surgery

A published study found that many women are skipping self-breast exams and avoiding going to the doctor due to poor body image perceptions.

This is an exceptionally heartbreaking headline to read, but one I am sure many of us can relate to!

The study showed one-third of women rarely or never engage in breast self-exams. Even more concerning, 1 in every 10 women admitted they would either delay or avoid seeing a doctor if they did detect a change in their breast all because of body image concerns.

I wanted to hear what other women thought of the study results, so I reached out to some of our amazing patients! Here’s what they had to say:

“Interesting article. I found a lump myself many years ago when I was in my 20’s and did contact a doctor. Thankfully it did turn out to be benign. He told me my breasts were dense and were always going to feel lumpy. I never had a problem checking my breasts and found it easiest in the shower. I also was satisfied with my breast size and body and didn’t have any issues.” – Carla

“I agree with the article and the research. Until my 50’s (prior to my first DCIS diagnosis) I had very small breast and was very thin. I didn’t like my figure and of course did not do self-breast exams because I felt that there was hardly any tissue in that area – so what could go wrong! I was extremely self-conscious of my flat chest and yes, I wore double padding in addition to a padded bra to give the illusion of any type of figure. I didn’t like the look of my body so therefore I didn’t take the proper care of it. Body dysfunction does affect how we perceive our health risks!” -Doris

“I disagree with this article. Personally, I had always been disappointed with my breasts. I felt they were too small and were different sizes, which is extremely noticeable on smaller breasts! My reason for not doing self-examinations had everything to do with heredity! I thought no one in my family had ever had breast cancer, so my risk is really low or nonexistent! I Didn’t learn the proper statistic until my diagnosis! So, I feel if we talked about statistics of family heredity, that would be more beneficial than body image discussions.” -Kim

It can be difficult to view ourselves positively in a society that demands perfection. Sometimes learning to love ourselves and our bodies is the hardest thing we will ever have to do! But we must remember to take care of ourselves—even when it makes us uncomfortable! It may not be easy for everyone, but please be encouraged to perform your self-breast exams monthly and see a doctor right away if you notice any changes!

 

Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd

It can be difficult to view ourselves positively in a society that demands perfection. Sometimes learning to love ourselves and our bodies is the hardest thing we will ever have to do! But we must remember to take care of ourselves—even when it makes us uncomfortable!

Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter

Online Form – Newsletter Signup

Continue Reading

Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period
Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period

Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period December 02, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin During our pre-operative appointment with patients, a topic that occasionally arises is menstrual cycles.  It is completely normal for women to experience changes with their periods throughout breast cancer treatments.  These can be temporary or permanent.  Periods can be unpredictable following […]

Read More

 

What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery November 17, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin When preparing for breast reconstruction surgery, many patients want to know what types of bras and abdominal girdles they should plan to wear after surgery. Although every surgeon has slightly different preferences, we have put together […]

Read More

 

My 5 DIEP Flap Realities | A Guest Blog From Julie

My 5 DIEP Flap Realities October 28, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hi everyone, my name is Julie from It’s a Bosom Thing. I am so happy to be here as a guest blogger and have this opportunity to share with you a few thoughts about life after DIEP Flap Surgery. I was diagnosed […]

Read More

 

bra day 2020
PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap

PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yesterday we celebrated Breast Reconstruction Awareness day! Although we missed seeing everyone in person this year, we were still able to spread education and awareness on ALL reconstructive options through our virtual efforts.  We were also able to share information on […]

Read More

 

Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery
Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery

Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP flap breast reconstruction is typically comprised of at least two stages for the best outcomes.  The second stage of surgery is commonly referred to as the “revision” stage and is usually performed about three months after the initial reconstruction.  The purpose […]

Read More

 

flaps good option for breast reconstruction_ PRMA Plastic Surgery
If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them?

If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Flap-based breast reconstruction procedures, like the DIEP flap, offer patients a safe, natural implant-alternative option to reconstruction after a mastectomy.  Flap surgeries are permanent and are associated with fewer complications after radiation when […]

Read More

 

Skin Island in Breast Reconstruction _ PRMA Plastic Surgery
What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction?

What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is a “skin island”? The term “skin island” is used to describe the remaining visible skin from a transplanted “flap” of tissue. In the setting of DIEP flap breast reconstruction, the skin island […]

Read More

 

comparing apex and diep flap
Comparing APEX Flap and DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Comparing APEX Flap and DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction August 10, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin We have been receiving numerous inquiries about the “APEX flap” recently.  Patients want to know what it is and how it differs from the DIEP flap. APEX is an acronym that stands for “Abdominal Perforator Exchange”.  Many patients believe […]

Read More

 

Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery PRMA Plastic Surgery
Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery

​Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Autologous flap (or tissue) breast reconstruction procedures represent today’s most advanced options for rebuilding a breast(s) following mastectomy. The most commonly performed method of flap-based reconstruction at PRMA is the DIEP flap. During this procedure, surgeons transplant skin […]

Read More

 

COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality PRMA Plastic Surgery
​COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality

​COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin There is still so much we do not know about COVID-19. Likewise, there is little known about how this disease impacts mortality for cancer patients. A study published in The Lancet evaluated and characterized the outcomes of patients with cancer […]

Read More

 

post-img
Prev post

​Removing Implants and Opting for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Next post

​Tips for a Successful Breast Reconstruction Consultation

post-img