Things to Know When Working with Women After Mastectomy

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in honor of this important time of year, BASI Faculty Alexandra Rossopoulos from Greece has compiled a list of things Pilates teachers should know when working with women after mastectomy:

• 1/6 women worldwide suffer from breast cancer.
• As the number of women undergoing such procedures grows, so does the need for close cooperation between an oncologist and a plastic surgeon.
• Immediate single-stage breast reconstruction after mastectomy is increasingly recommended for psychological reasons.
• Fear is a big issue with women post-reconstruction. Many often feel afraid, ashamed, and neglected.
• Lymphedema is an abnormal collection of high-protein fluid just beneath the skin.
• Symptoms like hot flashes last about 5 minutes.
• Loss of memory may occur.
• There are 2 types of reconstruction (implant and natural tissue).
• Latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction is a reliable technique providing excellent cosmetic results.
• The journey of rehabilitation can be a long one. Pilates teachers need to offer a non-competitive environment and focus on what their client CAN do.

Learn about these points and more in Alexandra’s 2-day workshop, Pilates for Breast Cancer Recovery.

Click here to view the Pilates for Breast Cancer Recovery workshop schedule.