In late August the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released a new survey showing that 89 percent of women would prefer to see breast reconstruction surgery results before undergoing the procedure themselves.
The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the ASPS between July 26 and July 30, 2012, and included 1200 women.
According to the ASPS the survey also found:
- About 23 percent of women know the full extent of breast reconstruction options available to them.
- Slightly more than one-fifth, 22 percent, of women know what to expect in the quality of breast reconstruction outcomes.
- Just under one-fifth, 19 percent, of women understand how the timing of deciding to undergo reconstruction surgery impacts their results and options.
In addition to this survey, previous research has shown that 70 percent of women are never told of their breast reconstruction options.
National BRA Day Show-And-Tell
This has prompted the ASPS to create a show-and-tell event as part of their National Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day. National BRA Day takes place on October 17, 2012 in New Orleans, LA.
Malcolm Z. Roth, President of the ASPS, stated about the show-and-tell event at the National BRA Day gathering: "A group of breast reconstruction patients will show a group of breast cancer patients what their reconstruction choices look like. This is something that until now has been a taboo topic, and we want to give these women a forum to get the information they need."
Kim Sport will be part of the show-and-tell event in New Orleans. She has survived two bouts with breast cancer and had her mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries on the same day. Sport has been sharing her results with small groups of breast cancer patients who are interested in seeing results before undergoing the procedures.
"I feel that it is very important to share my experience with other women because I don't want them to just have to look at a photo. I want to show them what reconstruction really looks like," said Sport.
More information about National BRA Day can be found on its website.
If you're interested in exploring or learning more about your breast reconstruction options, contact Dr. Delio Ortegon at San Antonio Cosmetic Surgery.