What is BRA Day?
Bras come in all colors, sizes and materials. From luxurious and enhancing to plain and practical, they can make you feel sexy and provide support when you need it most. Although it makes sense to mark a day of celebration for such a close and supportive member of women’s lives, BRA Day is not really all about the bra.
Many women who must undergo a mastectomy or lumpectomy for cancer treatment do not opt to receive reconstructive surgery to restore the shape of their breasts. This is likely because less than 23 percent of those eligible for treatment are informed of their post-mastectomy options.
Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA Day) is an initiative designed to improve this statistic by raising awareness.
Did you know?
Since 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act has given every woman the right to choose breast reconstruction and have the procedure fully paid for by her insurance carrier.
Unlike other events occurring during Breast Cancer Awareness month, which raise funds and awareness for cancer detection and prevention, BRA Day aims to “Close the Loop on Breast Cancer” by providing women with information about breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy. It occurs annually on the third Wednesday of October. This year, BRA Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 16, 2013.
Many women do not realize the impact that mastectomy surgery can potentially have on their confidence and quality of life. Although cancer removal is something worth celebrating, many women wake up from mastectomy surgery and are saddened by the realization that a central part of their femininity is missing. Breast reconstruction allows women to move forward from their journey through cancer with a renewed sense of wellbeing that can make them feel like a whole woman again.
Women interested in beginning reconstruction at the time of mastectomy must ask their breast surgeon to make a referral to see a plastic surgeon. As a breast specialist, Dr. Conrad can answer your questions about breast reconstruction surgery and help you decide if the procedure is right for you. The type of reconstruction you undergo will depend on your individual needs, anatomy, and previous treatments. If only one breast is affected, it alone may be reconstructed. A breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation may be recommended for the opposite breast to ensure symmetry.
If you have recently been treated for or diagnosed with breast cancer, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Matthew H. Conrad to discuss your post-mastectomy options. Please fill out our contact form or call (316) 681-2227 today.
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