**Breast Reconstruction Surgeries Rare in Public Hospitals for Women Post-Mastectomy**
Breast reconstruction surgeries for women who have undergone a mastectomy are exceedingly rare in government hospitals because these surgeries are often classified as aesthetic procedures, according to Eduardo Ulises Góngora Alejandre, the director of the Genesis Clinic.
Góngora Alejandre explains that these surgeries are largely unavailable within the public health system, as regulations do not clearly outline the responsibility for such procedures. Consequently, patients often bear the cost of these surgeries themselves. Public institutions, like the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), frequently lack the necessary materials for these operations. Hospitals sometimes ask patients to provide their own implants and expanders, which are not considered essential items.
Statistics reveal a stark disparity: only about 3% of women receive breast reconstruction after mastectomy at public medical facilities, primarily because they cannot afford the required materials. In 2024 alone, 115 women between the ages of 17 and 78 were diagnosed with breast cancer in Tijuana, and 91 are currently receiving cancer treatments. Data from 2023 shows 91 breast cancer-related fatalities, with an average patient age of 58.
The high costs associated with these surgeries make them inaccessible to many. A breast reconstruction in a private hospital can range from $9,000 to $13,000, equivalent to about 170,000 to 247,000 pesos – a price out of reach for low-income patients. These costs cover all necessary materials and procedures, from anesthesia to implants and expanders, with the full reconstruction often requiring multiple surgeries over time.
**Secondary Article: Global Advances in Breast Reconstruction Surgery**
In contrast to challenges faced in public health systems, innovations and improvements in breast reconstruction techniques continue to advance globally. New procedures and materials are making these surgeries more effective and accessible for patients worldwide. Recent developments in 3D printing technology are now being used to create custom-fit implants and expanders, potentially lowering costs and improving outcomes for patients.
In the United States, changes in legislation such as the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, ensure that health insurance covers breast reconstruction surgeries following mastectomies. This policy has increased the accessibility of reconstruction surgeries, with a notable rise in uptake among breast cancer survivors.
Meanwhile, in the UK, the National Health Service offers free breast reconstruction for cancer patients, recognizing it as a vital part of post-cancer treatment that aids in emotional and psychological recovery. This approach highlights the importance of holistic care in cancer treatment, and other countries are studying these models to improve their healthcare systems.
The continuous advancements and policy frameworks in some regions serve as an encouraging model for countries struggling with accessibility issues like those seen in Mexico. As global awareness and technology progress, there is hope that more equitable solutions in breast reconstruction can be implemented worldwide.