The idea of BRECONDA followed a number of studies showing between 20 to 30 per cent of Australian women felt regret following their decision for or against surgical reconstruction. 

Lead developer Kerry Sherman from Macquarie University said the new online tool would help women feel more confident and informed.

“It is a bit like we’re figuratively holding their hand,” Dr Sherman said.

“We’re helping them to think about the things that are important to them and what might be the most suitable decision to make.”

BRECONDA is set up in modules outlining surgical options available, risks and benefits, stress management along with interviews with women who have been through the experience. 

Kate Gale, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, said BRECONDA would have helped throughout her own experience. 

She originally decided against breast reconstruction following treatment, which included chemotherapy and radiation, and instead wore a prosthesis. 

“I’d had enough of hospitals, of doctors and nurses, by the time I had finished,” she said.  

“You don’t ask for cancer, you don’t ask to get your breasts removed. But it was just get it (the cancer) off – I needed to be cancer free and I did not care what they did to me.” 

However she changed her mind while on holiday in Fiji six years later.

She had her reconstruction in November 2015 and a follow up surgery in August last year. 

“It is the best thing I ever did but I’m really glad that I waited,” she said.

“I was eight years from diagnosis to having my reconstruction and I needed that time to do my research and be in the right headspace.” 

Dr Sherman emphasised the tool does not preference one decision over the other. She said not having a breast reconstruction could be just as good a choice for many women. 

“It is a very balanced approach that we have taken,” she said.

“We recognised that most people are feeling pretty stressed about making this decision, particularly if they’ve just had a diagnosis of breast cancer.” 

Ms Gale said her key message would be to take time in making the decision and know your options.

“There are just so many options that people aren’t aware of and it really helps to hear from others who have been there and done it just for some perspective,” she said.

For more information or to use the free online tool visit bcna.org.au/resource/breconda/.