Approximately 1 in 8 American women will develop breast cancer within her lifetime. Following a mastectomy, breast reconstruction is a vital component to the recovery process. While the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (1998) mandates that insurance companies, group health plans and health maintenance organizations cover the costs of breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, many states do not have legislation required to remind patients of their rights.
In an effort to raise awareness, Vancouver, Wash., plans to launch a day dedicated specifically to breast reconstruction advocacy according to Mayor Tim Leavitt. The event, deemed Breast Reconstruction Advocacy Victory Event (BRAVE) Day, is the first of its kind, but many, including American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) member Allen Gabriel, MD, hope that it will catch on in cities across the country.
“We would like all ASPS members to wear pink on March 21 to help us celebrate BRAVE Day,” he says. “Our goal is to bring attention to the advocacy efforts that are needed to counteract the lack of meaningful legislation targeting breast reconstruction rights.”
To show their support, Alaska Airlines employees will wear pink BRAVE Day bracelets all day on March 21st. Alaska Airlines also plans to display banners at hubs across the U.S. to bring national attention to this important event.
A nationwide event for Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) is also being launched by the ASPS. The observance is planned for October 17th, during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Events organized by the ASPS will be launched across the U.S., Canada and 20 other countries.
You can learn more about local and national breast reconstruction awareness events by visiting myreconstructionrights.org.
Find a breast reconstructive surgeon in Guilford, CT.
Source: Plastic Surgery News Extra
