Research has shown that nearly 70% of women in the United States undergoing a mastectomy are not informed of reconstructive options available to them.
While not every woman who undergoes a mastectomy elects to have breast reconstruction; some choose to wear an external prosthesis inside their bra. The decision to have breast reconstruction is a personal one and requires careful consideration, but without education prior to mastectomy, many women do not know what options are available. Additionally, many are not aware that if their insurance carrier covers mastectomy, breast reconstructive procedures, whether at the time of mastectomy or delayed to a later time, will also be covered.
The Breast Cancer Patient Education Act (H.R. 5937) has recently been introduced in the House of Representatives to ensure that all mastectomy patients are informed of their choices regarding breast reconstruction before undergoing mastectomy surgery.
We agree with Dr. Roth, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, who said “Knowledge is power. The Breast Cancer Patient Education Act will get the best information into the hands of women and their families, to empower them in making the best choice for their care.”
To schedule an appointment to discuss your reconstructive options with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS, please call our Morristown office at 973-889-9300.