Although the state has been paying for breast reconstruction for cancer patients since last year, the money might not be enough for all of them, reports Dienas zina.
Although the state has been paying for breast reconstruction for cancer patients since last year, the money might not be enough for all of them, reports Dienas zina.
It should be noted that symmetrization or alignment surgery is also necessary for the other breast – the healthy breast – and the state does not allocate money for it.
Last year, 318 breast reconstructions were performed with state money, but the need is much greater and not enough money for all patients.
“In Latvia, it is possible to save the breast in about 60% of cases, especially if the tumor is detected in the first or second stage. And 40% of cases require a mastectomy for various reasons,” said Arvīds Irmeys, head of the Breast Disease Center at Stradiņa Hospital.
The state has allocated 1.1 million euros for this year, which provides for approximately 300 reconstruction operations.
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