Breast Reconstruction: Closing the Loop on Breast Cancer
Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which was organized to raise funds for research and raise awareness of this disease. While just about everyone knows that breast cancer exists, not as many people know the repercussions of breast cancer and steps that may help to prevent it.
Breast Cancer: Did You Know?
- One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide
- Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, partly due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and improved treatment options.
While the above facts are becoming more widely known, many women are unaware of the options available to them after their cancer has been treated with a mastectomy. Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day was created to “close the loop on breast cancer” by informing women of their options for reconstructive breast surgery. BRA Day occurs annually on the third Wednesday of October (October 15th this year).
Breast Reconstruction: Did You Know?
- Since being enacted in 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) requires any health plan or insurance company that offers coverage for breast cancer to also provide coverage for breast reconstruction and other post-mastectomy benefits.
- Eighty-nine percent of women want to see what breast reconstruction surgery results will look like before beginning cancer treatment.
- Less than 23 percent of women know the wide range of breast reconstruction options available.
- Only 22 percent of women are familiar with the quality of outcomes that can be expected.
- Only 19 percent of women understand that the timing of their treatment and the timing of their breast reconstruction greatly impacts their options and results.
After mastectomy, many women may feel an overwhelming sense of victory once their cancer has been treated, but many of them also miss what was once such a central part of their femininity. Breast reconstruction can restore a natural-looking breast appearance so that the battle with breast cancer does not have to end with something missing. At Spring Ridge Plastic Surgery, we have seen how rewarding breast reconstruction can be for women who want to look and feel whole again.
To learn more about your options with breast reconstruction surgery, please schedule a complimentary consultation at Spring Ridge Plastic Surgery by calling (610) 678-9200. For your convenience, you may also fill out our online contact form.
