While
I haven't seen specific figures for the numbers of breast mastectomies
and reconstructions in any particular year, various statistics DO show that
about 1.2 million people in the world are diagnosed with breast cancer each
year (about 200,000 in the US alone), and that 1 in 9 women will have
breast cancer in their lifetime. Even if you allow for mortality rates among
this group from the cancer, mortality rates among other survivors, and the
fact that not all breast cancer diagnoses result in mastectomies, lumpectomies,
or other breast surgeries, there are still probably somewhere around 500,000-1,000,000
new women in need of some form of breast enhancement device each year.
The commercial breast form industry fills this need of supplying prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. A breast prosthesis can help to restore physical symmetry and peace of mind following the devastating effects that breast cancer can bring. The breast form industry produces a wide variety of prosthetics and accessories for an unfortunately large market. The range of products available to create or restore visual and physical symmetry between the affected breast area and the non-affected area is truly amazing.
Statistics sites found: (which reference other sources)
- http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/statistics.asp
- http://www.lingerie-direct.com/surgical/facts.htm
The commercial breast form industry fills this need of supplying prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. A breast prosthesis can help to restore physical symmetry and peace of mind following the devastating effects that breast cancer can bring. The breast form industry produces a wide variety of prosthetics and accessories for an unfortunately large market. The range of products available to create or restore visual and physical symmetry between the affected breast area and the non-affected area is truly amazing.
Statistics sites found: (which reference other sources)
- http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/statistics.asp
- http://www.lingerie-direct.com/surgical/facts.htm