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**Breast Cancer Patients Struggle with Access to Reconstructive Surgery Due to Lack of Support**
Tijuana, October 17, 2024 – Many women who have survived breast cancer are unable to undergo breast reconstruction surgery due to financial constraints, says Mayra Barreras, a representative from the Grupo de Apoyo Adelante.
The cost of a reconstructive breast surgery ranges from 200,000 to 250,000 pesos. Grupo de Apoyo Adelante hosts approximately 50 breast cancer patients weekly, providing psychological therapy to assist them through their recovery journeys. Among the 120 women actively participating in the group, only ten have been able to undergo reconstruction surgeries, all of which were made possible through donations.
Hermes Ávila Pelayo, a plastic surgeon, highlighted the exorbitant cost of breast reconstruction, emphasizing the necessity for initiatives from both the medical community and private sectors to support these women in completing their treatment processes with reconstructive surgery. “It will help restore a bit of their self-esteem and happiness,” Ávila Pelayo stated, inviting others to join the project.
Adriana Millán, a member of Grupo Adelante, is set to receive a donated breast reconstruction surgery after battling cancer for two years. She described the emotional impact of her mastectomy as devastating. “It feels terrible to feel mutilated and incomplete… you feel very sad when you look in the mirror,” Millán shared.
**Breast Cancer Cases Rise in Tijuana as Awareness Efforts Intensify**
In 2024, breast cancer cases in Tijuana have risen by 8%. The health community is not only focused on treatment but is also keen on spreading awareness about early detection methods, such as self-examinations, which are crucial in combating the disease. Survivors like Adriana Millán advocate for regular self-examinations among young women to enable early detection and treatment.
Despite the rise, the largest hurdle remains financial assistance for reconstructive surgeries, which many women consider vital in their recovery process. The combination of rising cases and financial challenges underscores the importance of community and institutional support to make these essential post-cancer treatments accessible to more women.