Research shows that seven out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer are unaware of breast reconstruction options at the time of diagnosis.

That’s why the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Plastic Surgery Foundation have declared Wednesday, Oct. 17, Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day – to help spread the word.

“Cancer is a frightening diagnosis. Knowing treatment and post-treatment options gives comfort to patients and aids in their healing,” says Keith Brandt, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine and a board member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Reconstruction options include:

* Immediate (at the time of mastectomy) or delayed surgical reconstruction, depending on additional treatments that are planned.

* Expansion of the remaining breast skin and eventual filling of the breast skin envelope with an implant.

* Transfer of tissue from the patient’s back or abdomen.

* A combination of tissue and implant reconstruction. 

Patients can learn more about reconstruction options available at Siteman by visiting www.breastreconstruction.wustl.edu.

Financial concerns can add to the stress of a breast cancer diagnosis, so a patient should also talk with her health insurance carrier or a Medicaid representative.

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires that insurance carriers cover the cost of reconstruction and of procedures performed on the opposite breast for symmetry. Patients with financial concerns about reconstruction can call the Wohl clinics at Barnes-Jewish Hospital at 314-362-9100 to learn about their options.

Singer-songwriter Jewel is leading national efforts to raise awareness. She has written a song, Flower, for breast reconstruction patients. Proceeds will go to the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Fund of The Plastic Surgery Foundation. For more information, or to download the song, visit www.bradayusa.org.

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The Siteman Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Missouri, is ranked a top 10 cancer facility by U.S. News & World Report. Comprising the cancer research, prevention and treatment programs of Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman is also Missouri’s only member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. For more information, visit http://www.siteman.wustl.edu or call 314-747-7222 or 800-600-3606 toll free.