Healing Conversation with BreastReconstruction.org

Breaking the Stigma: Men’s Breast Cancer, Reconstruction & Genetic Risk 
Dr. Randall Feingold, founding partner of New York Breast Reconstruction and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, participated in an educational panel hosted by BreastReconstruction.org focused on raising awareness about male breast cancer—an often overlooked but important topic in cancer care.
Serving as moderator, Dr. Feingold shared insights on surgical options for men, while advocates Harvey Singer and Brad Hertz discussed their personal experiences, BRCA gene mutations, and the importance of genetic awareness. Genetic counselor Derek Mann also joined the panel to explain risk factors and the role of genetic testing.
Together, the panelists provided valuable guidance for patients and families, highlighting several key takeaways. Male breast cancer, while rare, is real, with approximately 1 in 1,000 men affected during their lifetime, making awareness and symptom recognition critical. About 10% of cases are linked to inherited mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, emphasizing the importance of counseling and testing.
The panel also underscored that men can both inherit and pass on breast cancer gene mutations to sons and daughters, making family communication and screening essential. Symptoms are often discovered as small lumps near the nipple area, and early evaluation of any breast changes can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes.

Protein-Packed Recipes for Recovery
Erin Pellegrin, Senior Director of Culinary Nutrition and Education at Unite for Her, joined Dr. David Light for a cooking session focused on nutrition to support healing before and after surgery. Unite for Her provides nationwide nutrition education and culinary guidance for breast and ovarian cancer patients, helping manage treatment side effects while making healthy cooking approachable—even for beginners.
During the session, Erin and Dr. Light prepared a Mediterranean Egg Bake, emphasizing versatility, color, and nutrient density. Key points included:
Healing-focused ingredients: Vegetables like peppers, spinach, scallions, and parsley provide antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, important for wound healing.
Gut health support: Allium family vegetables (garlic, onions, scallions) offer prebiotic fiber, supporting healthy gut bacteria and nutrient absorption.
Managing surgery-related side effects: Pre-surgery fiber intake helps mitigate constipation often caused by anesthesia or post-surgical narcotics.
Protein for recovery: Eggs and cottage cheese add essential protein to support tissue repair.
Flexibility: Ingredients can be swapped based on preference or availability; leftovers make it a convenient make-ahead option.
Erin emphasized that healthy cooking doesn’t require exact measurements or culinary expertise—small adjustments and seasonal produce make it simple to create nutrient-rich meals that aid recovery and overall wellness.

How Radiation Impacts Breast Reconstruction Decisions
Dr. David Light hosted an Instagram Live with Dr. Corinne Menn to discuss breast reconstruction and the impact of radiation on surgical outcomes. Dr. Menn shared her perspective as a long-term breast cancer survivor and BRCA carrier emphasizing how navigating treatment decisions—surgery, radiation, and reconstruction—can be overwhelming for patients.
Key points from the discussion included:
Radiation effects: Radiation permanently alters skin and breast tissue, impacting color, thickness, volume, and symmetry in both natural tissue and implant reconstructions.
Early multidisciplinary planning: Consulting a radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, plastic surgeon, and breast surgeon before surgery helps patients understand long-term implications and make informed decisions.
Surgical considerations: Lumpectomy typically requires radiation, which can affect reconstruction outcomes. Mastectomy may reduce the need for radiation or hormone therapy, depending on tumor factors, though patient values remain central.
Implant-based reconstruction: If radiation is planned, Dr. Light favors placing a tissue expander first, with final implant placement about six months after radiation to improve healing and reduce complications.
Autologous reconstruction: To limit permanent radiation damage to the flap, Dr. Light often uses a tissue expander first—an approach especially important for younger patients.
The conversation underscored that every patient’s path is unique, and informed, early discussions with all relevant specialists are essential to make choices aligned with personal goals and long-term outcomes.

Breast Reconstruction: Expert Insights for Informed Decisions
In May 2025, BreastReconstruction.org brought together patients and experts for a conversation with Dr. Corinne Menn, OBGYN, hormone therapy specialist and long-term breast cancer survivor, and Dr. David Light, plastic surgeon and board member. Their discussion emphasized patient education, self-advocacy, and understanding reconstruction options after breast cancer.
Patients were encouraged to take an active role in their care by researching trusted sources, asking questions, and seeking multiple opinions. Reconstruction options range from no reconstruction, including aesthetic flat closure or the Goldilocks procedure, to implant-based and natural tissue (autologous) reconstruction. Modern implant techniques often favor pre-pectoral placement for reduced pain and more natural movement, while cohesive silicone implants provide a softer, realistic feel. For patients requiring radiation, deep perforator flap reconstruction offers durable, infection-resistant results while preserving muscle and strength.
Beyond appearance, restoring sensation is an emerging focus. Nerve repair and grafting techniques may help return partial feeling, while nipple reconstruction and 3D tattooing create a natural look. The experts stressed a stepwise approach: prioritize cancer treatment, then determine reconstruction type, and consult specialists to understand the long-term effects of radiation, hormone therapy, and surveillance imaging.
Strong organization and advocacy—keeping records, asking informed questions, and making patient-led decisions—help ensure reconstruction aligns with personal goals and long-term wellbeing.