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The Plastic Surgery Foundation Celebrates 7th Annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day

October 16, 2018
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF) is hosting the seventh annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day on Wednesday, October 17, with more than 150 events planned worldwide. The initiative is designed to promote awareness of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction education, patient care and research.

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is a collaboration among The PSF, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), plastic surgeons and breast cancer support groups who have organized community events, lectures, fundraising parties and other educational programs around the world.

Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy or lumpectomy is not for every woman, but every woman should be informed of her options and legal rights. In this spirit, The PSF and ASPS lead the Breast Reconstruction Awareness USA Campaign, one of the few breast cancer campaigns dedicated to building awareness around breast reconstruction options.

Many women eligible for breast reconstruction following cancer surgery are not informed of their options, and it's time to close the loop on breast cancer.

Studies have revealed:

  • 89 percent of women want to see breast reconstruction surgery results before undergoing cancer treatment.
  • 23 percent of women know the wide range of breast reconstruction options available.
  • 22 percent of women are familiar with the quality of outcomes that can be expected.
  • 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.

Making a Difference: The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Fund

Proceeds from Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day activities benefit the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Fund, which supports breast reconstruction research and provides financial assistance to uninsured and under-insured women seeking breast reconstruction.

Since its inception, the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Fund has raised more than $2.7 million to support research, projects, programs and the charitable surgical care of women in need of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.