Grass Roots Profile: BRA Day USA

This October marks the third annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA Day USA, an initiative designed to promote education, awareness and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

BRA Day USA is a collaborative effort initiated by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Plastic Surgery Foundation, plastic surgeons, breast centers, nurse navigators, corporate sponsors and breast cancer support groups.

The organization became a reality when it was discovered that many women eligible for breast reconstruction following cancer surgery were not always being informed of their options. And since they feel that all women should know her options, BRA Day USA was created to help close this gap.

And when we talk about a gap, here is what studies have revealed:

• 89% of women are interested in learning about their reconstruction options prior to undergoing treatment
• Only 23% of women fully understand the wide range of reconstruction options available to them
• Just 22% of women are familiar with the quality of outcomes they can expect
• Only 19% percent of women understand that the timing of their treatment for breast cancer and the timing of their decision to undergo reconstruction greatly impacts their options and results

On the BRA Day USA website visitors are provided crucial information needed to make an educated decision about whether or not to pursue reconstruction. Topics include:

• What is breast reconstruction
• Breast reconstruction candidates
• The look and feel of a reconstructed breast
• Breast reconstruction safety, risks and costs
• Types of breast reconstruction
• Five steps of breast reconstruction
• Breast reconstruction recovery guide
• A breast reconstruction dictionary
• Information about the team approach

This year’s theme is BRAve Face. The website provides options for finding out about events in your state, as well as the guidelines for starting an event in your area if there isn’t something already planned. You can find the event on Facebook, as well.