ED Roundtable on Breast Reconstruction: Supporting Informed Choices After Breast Cancer Surgery

On 28 May, we were honoured to welcome Professor Giuseppe F. Catanuto, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Humanitas Istituto Clinico Catanese and Assistant Professor at Humanitas University, Milan, for an engaging roundtable dedicated to breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery.

The session brought together almost 30 breast cancer advocates for an informative discussion on the main reconstruction options available to women, including immediate and delayed reconstruction, implant-based approaches, and autologous techniques using a woman’s own tissue. Professor Catanuto carefully explored the benefits, limitations, possible risks, and long-term implications of each option, helping participants better understand the choices that may be available after breast cancer surgery.

The roundtable also highlighted the importance of informed decision-making, patient empowerment, and awareness of rights and access to care. Advocates took part in a lively Q&A session, raising thoughtful and sometimes complex questions, including concerns around breast implant illness and why implant technology has not advanced as much as many patients might expect.

A key message from the discussion was that reconstruction is not a single event, but a process. Outcomes are not only aesthetic: quality of life, wellbeing, personal values, and confidence all matter deeply. Shared decision-making between patients and healthcare professionals is essential, and surgical success must always be considered alongside the woman’s lived experience.

Professor Catanuto closed the session with a powerful reminder: “There is no perfect reconstruction. There is only the reconstruction that best matches a woman’s body, values and life.”

We extend our warm thanks to Professor Catanuto for sharing his expertise with such clarity and compassion, and to all the advocates who joined us and contributed so actively to this important conversation.