Our breast reconstructions are world class

Breast cancer leaves visible marks. You lose part or all of a breast. The surgery is an attack on your body image and sense of femininity. Yet not all women opt for breast reconstruction. In older age, it is often no longer necessary, because of the surgery. Younger women are more often won over for a new breast. Especially the carriers of the breast cancer gene. Of this group, the majority opt for preventive removal of both breasts (mastectomy) with immediate reconstruction, in one operation. With current surgical techniques, there are many options.

Top Country from A to Z

For several decades, Dr. Moustapha Hamdi has been reconstructing breasts of women who have gone through breast cancer and of women who are hereditarily burdened and opt for a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Hamdi is a professor and department head of plastic surgery at the University Hospital in Brussels. "I am from Syria and go there often, my mother still lives there. So I see breast cancer patients in my home country and here. I can assure you, Belgium is a top country from A to Z when it comes to breast cancer. We are at a high level for screening, treatment and reconstruction. We are among the world leaders in breast reconstruction. Many of the latest surgical techniques were developed in Belgium, which is why surgeons from all over the world come to train with us."

Foundation

Moustapha Hamdi founded the Hamdi Foundation in 2021. A foundation that advocates on several fronts for women with breast cancer. "Breast cancer is more than a disease and surgeons do more than cut," he says. The Hamdi Foundation focuses on four pillars: screening and raising awareness, stimulating scientific research, advocating and lobbying for reimbursement for breast reconstruction, exchanging ideas and knowledge between the Middle East and Belgium. Professor Hamdi has already published two books for people facing breast cancer. Photographer Lieve Blancquaert collaborated on his first book, Two Breasts, published in 2007. A second book followed in September 2023, Aux seins d'une famille, in French, illustrated with photographs by Véronique Pipers. What drives this plastic surgeon to put together books on breast cancer for patients and those affected? "Quite simply," he replies, "I find it very important to let the patients themselves have their say. They know much better than I do what it means to go through breast cancer, lose one or two breasts and have to decide on reconstruction." In addition to testimonials and gripping photographs, his book contains everything you need to know about breast reconstruction, clearly explained.

Aux seins d'une famille, Moustapha Hamdi, Véronique Barbier, Véronique Pipers. Borgerhoof & Lamberigts September 2023.

You can order the book from the Foundation that Professor Hamdi founded for breast cancer: https://hamdi.foundation/.