Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Finland, and its treatment continues to advance. At Clinic Helena in Tampere, we provide comprehensive private care and special expertise in the diagnosis, surgery, and reconstruction of breast cancer. Individual attention to each patient and high-quality plastic surgery expertise are the cornerstones of our work.
Breast Cancer Incidence and Clinic Helena’s Expertise
The incidence of breast cancer continues to rise steadily as the most common cancer among women. At the same time, breast cancer research is progressing in the ongoing fight against the disease. Treatments are evolving, and Finland remains among the leading countries in successful outcomes.
Clinic Helena was founded over 25 years ago out of a need to support breast cancer patients in their recovery and especially in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. A long clinical experience combined with modern plastic surgery has made the clinic a pioneer in breast reconstruction in Finland
Breast Cancer Diagnostics and Early Detection
Today, diagnostics focus on finding the disease as early as possible – at this stage, almost all patients can be cured. (See page: Breast Cancer Symptoms).
Every suspicious change in the breast must be examined. (See page: Diagnostics).
When breast cancer is suspected, patients immediately need information and reassurance – what is happening and what will follow. Hundreds of questions and the fear of tomorrow fill the patient’s mind. At this stage, Clinic Helena provides presence, expertise, and compassion.
Finland’s public healthcare system offers good, efficient, and high-quality breast cancer treatment, but in the initial phase, resources are often too limited for truly individual attention.
We believe that good care at the early stage lays the foundation for trust and helps the patient focus on life after cancer. Our goal is that no one should carry the burden of cancer for life, as the majority of breast cancer patients fully recover – the 10-year survival rate is 86%.
Breast Cancer Treatment and Multidisciplinary Care in a Private Clinic
Drug therapies are developing rapidly, and therefore a multidisciplinary team is essential to create an individual treatment plan. In aggressive and extensive disease, treatment is usually started with chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells before surgery.
In such cases, treatment begins under the care of an oncologist. Clinic Helena cooperates closely with oncology units across Finland, but it is also possible to receive chemotherapy privately if desired.
In early-stage disease, treatment can begin with surgery. The cancerous tissue is removed radically, and the breast is reshaped from surrounding tissue to restore a natural appearance. If necessary, a symmetry correction can be performed on the healthy breast.
In more advanced or aggressive breast cancer, surgery is performed after chemotherapy. Recovery is often supported by postoperative radiotherapy to ensure complete healing.
Breast Reconstruction and Plastic Surgery in Tampere
Clinic Helena offers extensive expertise in breast cancer surgery and aims to restore the breast’s shape as beautifully and naturally as possible. If the disease requires breast removal (mastectomy), a plan for reconstruction is made already at this stage.
Often, the skin can be preserved. During the mastectomy, a tissue expander is placed under the remaining skin and gradually filled until it reaches the desired size. This way, the patient never has to live without a breast. The final breast reconstruction is performed after oncological treatments, once recovery is complete.
Breast Reconstruction Techniques and the “Sensitive Breast” Method
Clinic Helena has extensive experience in all breast reconstruction techniques. The simplest method is replacing the tissue expander with an implant. In this case, a supporting mesh (acellular matrix) is used under the thin mastectomy skin to maintain breast shape and prevent implant damage.
The best method, especially for younger patients, is autologous (own-tissue) reconstruction. Clinic Helena has developed the “Sensing Breast” method, in which a new breast is formed from the skin and fat of the lower abdomen. In addition to blood vessels, nerve connections are attached, allowing sensation to gradually return to the reconstructed breast, providing a more natural experience in everyday life.
The Goal – Complete Recovery and a Good Life After Cancer
Our goal is to help breast cancer patients through the demanding treatment process toward full recovery and a good life after cancer. Supporting the patient and helping them look forward to the future are integral parts of our care pathway.
Welcome to Clinic Helena for breast cancer diagnostics and treatment.
Here, patients receive comprehensive care, expert guidance, and high-quality plastic surgery – all in one place.
Kirjoittaja: LT Helena Puonti
