Breast reconstruction unfairly based on age.

• Position: YOUR LIFE - Brief article - Clinical report

Women over age 60 seldom are offered breast reconstruction after mastectomy in hopes of minimizing potential complications, according to a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Arlington Heights, III.

Women aged 60-77 who had breast reconstruction were asked if age should determine eligibility for the procedure--more than 90% felt that it should not. Only 16% of patients who had delayed reconstruction said the option was presented to them at the time of diagnosis--100% felt it should have been. Twenty percent of patients experienced a complication that required surgery.

"Women want to be well informed of all their options at the time of diagnosis, and when mastectomy is planned, this should include a discussion about breast reconstruction regardless of age," the report...