Thanks to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s generous donors, women with breast cancer can now have healthier outcomes.

We all know someone – a mother, a sister, a friend – who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Many women who undergo surgery for breast cancer also choose to have breast reconstruction surgery. Studies show that emotional well-being, vitality and general mental health are improved in women who choose reconstruction.

However, while breast reconstruction surgery is common and generally safe, complications can occur, mainly because it can be difficult to assess blood supply to the skin at the time of a mastectomy. This can lead to an increase in complications such as non-healing wounds, which can be physically and emotionally devastating, and negatively affect the outcome of the reconstruction.

Through the help of our donors, the Breast Reconstruction Program was recently able to purchase an innovative new SPY Imaging System that allows surgeons to assess blood flow rates before, during and after surgery. What does this mean? Decreased rates of complications, fewer returns to surgery, and shorter hospital stays.

“It’s difficult enough for the people we love who are challenged with breast cancer,” says Dr. Peter Lennox, Director of the Breast Reconstruction Program. “Now, thanks to donors, we’re able to improve the outcomes of reconstructive surgery. This is incredibly beneficial to our patients’ recovery.”

Because of the SPY Imaging System, there are fewer complications and shorter hospital stays.

Support the Breast Reconstruction Program.