For women facing breast cancer, sometimes the best or only option is a mastectomy…complete removal of one or both breasts in order to remove the cancer. But many women are hesitant to go through that, worried about how they’ll look and feel afterword. In fact, 7 out of 10 women are never told of the option for breast reconstruction. That’s why, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wednesday, October 18 has been designated Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Plastic Surgery Foundation. The campaign, fully supported by The University of Kansas Health System, is designed to build awareness of breast reconstruction options. The health system will host special livestream events on Facebook on Tuesday the 17^th and Wednesday the 18^th. Surgeons from Plastic Surgery will talk about breast reconstructions and options for patients. You’ll also hear stories directly from patients. (#BraDayKC).

            In the video, Dr. Richard Korentager, head of Plastic Surgery at The University of Kansas Health System, explains the need for BRA Day and why breast cancer can be what he calls a huge and disfiguring problem. He says the goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of all the options and to let women know there is hope for resuming a normal life after breast cancer surgery.

            Also in the video, Jane Ann Williams, who underwent a double mastectomy, talks about her journey. She says she was worried about the whole reconstruction process, but says it turned out so much better than she thought and she couldn’t be happier. She adds that she had great family support, and was thrilled to find out that most insurance companies pay for the procedure.