(WAVY) — Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women next to skin cancer, but after surgery, survivors have a choice — whether they want to reconstruct their breasts. More women are choosing to go ahead with the surgery.

In 2007, just 27% opted for breast reconstruction surgery, but today, that’s up to between 40% and 50%.

Porsche Richardson had no doubt in her mind what she was going to choose. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and had a bilateral mastectomy.

“I made myself a promise that if I got through it, I would live. And not just my day to day but do all the things and also that I would advocate for others,” Richardson said.

She made a decision not all survivors make: to have reconstruction surgery.

“There was so much tied to my femininity and

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