Bioethical reflections and clinical approach to breast reconstruction

To commemorate this breast cancer awareness month, BINCA addresses the issue of breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients from a clinical-surgical and psycho-oncological perspective.

On October 23, 2024, a very special talk was held to commemorate this breast cancer awareness month. The session focused on breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients, exploring clinical-surgical and psycho-oncological perspectives that included the participation of two renowned specialists in their respective areas: Psi. Andrea Ovando Trujillo, psycho-oncologist, bioethicist and thanatologist, and Dr. Gabriel Barrera García, plastic and reconstructive surgeon at ABC Medical Center.

Andrea Ovando offered a deep reflection on the bioethical aspects involved in breast reconstruction. Based on the principles of principlism, her analysis highlighted the importance of respecting patients' autonomy and dignity, as well as considering their emotional well-being at each stage of treatment. With her extensive experience in psycho-oncology, she underlined how emotional and psychic support play a fundamental role in the approach to cancer patients.

For his part, Gabriel Barrera spoke about the subject from a clinical perspective, sharing his experience in breast reconstruction techniques. He detailed the surgical advances and challenges of these procedures, emphasizing the importance of a personalized approach for each patient. He also highlighted how reconstructive surgery not only has a physical impact, but also an emotional one, by restoring women's self-esteem and confidence after a mastectomy.

The dialogue between the specialists generated a remarkable synergy, combining biopsychosocial and ethical aspects with technical and clinical ones. Both speakers agreed that the success of breast reconstruction is not limited to the surgical result, but must also consider the comprehensive well-being of patients.

The BINCA (Anahuac Clinical Bioethics and Neuroethics) group has been carrying out academic functions of interdisciplinary discussion and research since October 2014.  It is part of the Interdisciplinary Clinical Bioethics Project, which includes the Faculties of Bioethics, Health Sciences, Education and Humanities and Psychology at our Anahuac University Mexico.

BINCA is made up of students, professors and researchers from any career, focused on the study of neurosciences and bioethics from the psychological, medical, neurological and legal fields.

You can see the full session at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/wpDVhB8yYkS5L4e5/ 

Join the team: https://www.anahuac.mx/mexico/CADEBI/binca