American Society of Plastic Surgeons Closes Loop on Breast Cancer During First BRA Day USA, October 17
Board-certified plastic surgeons, singer-songwriter Jewel and supporters across the country unite to educate women about breast reconstruction.

Arlington Heights, Ill. - On October 17, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF) will launch the first-ever Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day USA, leading the charge to promote education, awareness and access to breast reconstruction following mastectomy or lumpectomy.

The statistics are alarming: 7 out of 10 women eligible for breast reconstruction following cancer surgery are not being informed of their options. Studies have also revealed:

• Eighty-nine percent of women want to see what breast reconstruction surgery results would look like before undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
• Less than a quarter (23 percent) of women know the wide range of breast reconstruction options available.
• Only 22 percent of women are familiar with the quality of outcomes that can be expected.
• Only 19 percent of women understand that the timing of their treatment for breast cancer and the timing of their decision to undergo reconstruction greatly impacts their options and results.

"We want to bring the topic of breast reconstruction into the larger breast cancer dialogue," said ASPS President Malcolm Z. Roth, MD. "Letting women know their reconstruction options before or at the time of diagnosis is critically important to improving life after breast cancer. BRA Day USA is all about inspiring women who are on the road to recovery to a full life beyond breast cancer."

This year, the U.S. and more than 20 other countries will join an international effort to close the loop on breast cancer, to ensure that all patients are fully informed of their surgical options and supported by a team of medical professionals working together for the patient's best interest. Here in the U.S., supporters and survivors are planning more than 80 BRA Day USA events across the country in cities including New York, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles.

BRA Day USA officially kicks off in New Orleans with a flash mob and landmark "Show & Tell" event at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS). Here, women will put a spotlight on breast reconstruction options in a big way, sharing their personal results with fellow breast cancer patients. The schedule of events is as follows:

• 10:00 a.m. press conference at CRBS featuring local dignitaries, Dr. Roth, and The PSF President Michael Neumeister, MD
• 10:45 a.m. flash mob in front of CRBS
• 3:00 p.m. Show & Tell
• Evening pink lighting of the Superdome

Singer-songwriter and breast cancer advocate Jewel is lending her time and talent to the campaign, serving as BRA Day USA's national spokesperson over the next two years. She has written a song, "Flower" for breast cancer patients. Proceeds will be donated to the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Fund of The PSF and be used to support national and local breast reconstruction organizations. Jewel also filmed a series of public service announcement videos, which will air over the course of the next two years, discussing why all women should know their breast reconstruction options.

Those who can't attend a local BRA Day USA event can get involved in the following ways:

• Join nationally renowned ASPS Member Surgeon Frank DellaCroce, MD, for a Twitter chat on October 15 at 8 p.m. EDT when he will answer important questions about breast reconstruction. Join in using #BRAdaychat.
• Join Redbook magazine, ASPS Member Surgeon Ron Israeli, MD, and his breast reconstruction patient, author and non-profit founder Gina Maisano for a Facebook chat on October 17 at 2 p.m. EDT.
• Purchase Jewel's song "Flower" on iTunes®.
• Visit BRAdayUSA.org to donate.
• Follow BRA Day USA on Facebook and Twitter (@BRADayUSA) for the latest news on BRA Day USA, educational information, upcoming Twitter party news, details on events, and more.

It's time to close the loop on breast cancer.