You may know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know that today, October 16, has been designated Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), as many as 89 percent of breast cancer patients don’t know that breast reconstruction is an option after undergoing a mastectomy as part of their treatment. In a bid to educate women about this procedure, the ASPS teamed up with the Plastic Surgery Foundation to celebrate the first annual BRA Day last year.
This time last year, plastic surgeons across the country held informational events to promote this cause, and the ASPS held a conference in New Orleans that included an innovative show-and-tell session with women who had undergone various types of breast reconstruction. According to a recent ASPS press release, this focus of the today’s events is the concept that every cancer patient has the right to their own team.
“We recognize that each woman receives the most comprehensive care plan […] when all breast cancer care physicians work together as a team,” said plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Weiser of Physician’s Institute in the release. “Our hope is for full collaboration of all team members including plastic surgeons, oncologists, breast surgeons, radiologists and OB/GYN’s giving women the most powerful team possible.”
Every woman has the right to feel comfortable in her own skin. If you’ve undergone a mastectomy to combat breast cancer, contact the Lett Center in Lebanon, Tennessee, to learn more about breast reconstruction surgery and how it can help you feel like yourself again.