Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) day will be observed by Vanderbilt’s Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
BRA Day began in Canada in 2011, when it was declared by the Canadian Parliament to be the third Wednesday in October. Since that time the day has been recognized in more than 50 countries. VUMC held its first BRA Day event in 2012.
Bruce Shack, M.D., professor and chair of Plastic Surgery, said that awareness of breast reconstructive surgery, and its availability, need to increase, noting that all procedures used for breast reconstruction are covered by almost all insurance companies and are considered a natural part of the treatment of breast cancer.
“Across the country, and around the world, there are many women who require mastectomy for management of their breast cancer who do not have access to breast reconstruction,” he said.
“So the celebration of this day is an effort to make women, their families and the public at large aware of the multiple options available for breast reconstruction for those women diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Shack noted that Vanderbilt offers all types of reconstruction surgery, including those done at the time of mastectomy and those performed later, several implant-based surgeries and several autologous tissue options as well.
“We individualize based on the patient’s anatomy and physiology,” he said.
For more information about BRA day, contact bra@vanderbilt.edu, call 936-2700, or visit www.bradayusa.org and www.vanderbiltcosmeticsurgery.com.
