Learn About BRA Day

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, more commonly referred to as BRA Day, is a project designed to raise awareness and education about breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy (a breast cancer treatment that involves surgically removing a patient’s breast tissue).

Women with breast cancer may not be aware that they have several breast reconstruction options available to them. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Abhay Gupta is an expert in all of these options and can personally tailor a procedure to accommodate each patient’s form of cancer, distinct physique and aesthetic goals.

It may seem unnecessary to encourage awareness about breast reconstruction surgery. Often, people presume that breast cancer patients automatically receive information about breast reconstruction, including referral information for an experienced reconstructive surgeon, when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case. Two of the leading reasons that mastectomy patients do not pursue surgical breast reconstruction are that they are uninformed about their breast reconstruction options and they do not receive a referral to a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Why Is Breast Reconstruction So Vital for Breast Cancer Patients?


Studies have shown that breast reconstruction is a crucial component of a comprehensive breast cancer treatment plan. Mastectomy patients who have breast reconstruction surgery experience an improvement in psychological, sexual and social health. Although some people may choose to abstain from breast reconstruction surgery, this decision should be based on personal choice — not a shortage of information on the topic.

Taking the Team Approach to Breast Cancer Treatment


In recent times, many cancer treatment centers have been established across the nation, with the goal of offering comprehensive treatment for breast cancer patients. In general, a comprehensive breast cancer treatment plan includes the following specialists: a medical, surgical and radiation oncologist; a geneticist; a pathologist; a radiologist; and a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. In the team approach, it is important that all the specialists involved in the treatment plan meet to confer about all elements of care, from surgery to postoperative psychological care. That way, they can progress with a clearly defined common goal.

What You Can Do to Help


What can you do to help breast cancer patients? Get involved in BRA Day, and get others involved too! This year, BRA Day is October 16, 2013. Visit BRAdayUSA.org to find local events that you can attend to help raise awareness about breast reconstruction treatment options and why all those who suffer from breast cancer are entitled to reconstructive breast surgery.

What to Do If You Need Breast Reconstruction Surgery


If you are a preoperative or postoperative mastectomy patient who would like to learn more about breast reconstruction surgery, Gupta Plastic Surgery in San Diego can help. To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Gupta to find out more about the available breast reconstruction treatment options, please contact Gupta Plastic Surgery by calling (858) 408-6100.

Fun Fact of the Month: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To increase awareness about breast cancer, many supporters wear pink during October. What about the pink ribbon you see everywhere? Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder Companies founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and established the pink ribbon as its symbol.

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