Surgeons and artists both have the ability to engage profoundly with a subject, but many surgeons lack the humane concern needed in the operating theater. Examples of dangerous and insensitive surgeons, like Ian Paterson, highlight the need for compassion in surgical practices. The disregard for patients’ feelings can lead to serious complications, such as nerve damage, especially in procedures like breast surgery.
Breasts are a powerful erogenous zone, and surgical breast enhancement can prioritize appearance over sensation and sexuality. The obsession with how breasts look rather than how they feel must be challenged. Surgeons who focus on preserving the normal breast tissue of their patients, like those at the Royal Marsden Hospital, are making strides in prioritizing the person behind the disease. By treating the patient as a whole person, surgeons can improve outcomes and quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment.
The author reflects on her own experiences with breasts throughout different stages of her life, from girlhood to early and older motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of teaching girls that their desire matters and that breasts offer a route to sexual joy without harm. Reflecting on her own body in the present, she appreciates the significance of her breasts, even as they have gone through different stages and experiences.
Taking the time to inspect her breasts in the present, the author highlights the importance of self-examination for early detection of any abnormalities. By engaging in this practice, she emphasizes the connection between the body as described by science and the one we embody and live in every day. This introspective moment allows her to feel comfortable and content in her middle-aged body, appreciating her nakedness and the silence within herself.
In conclusion, the author’s experiences and reflections on breasts and their significance throughout different stages of life highlight the importance of treating breasts as more than just a visual object. By prioritizing the sensation and experience of breasts, as well as the individual behind the disease, we can foster a more compassionate and holistic approach to breast health. Ultimately, embracing the complexity and importance of breasts in our lives can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of our bodies.
