About seven out of ten breast cancer survivors feel they don't know about all of their options.SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
Breast reconstruction is often the final stage for women who've gone through breast cancer.
To make women more aware of their options, Wednesday, October 17th is Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day.
It's the first year for the special day in the U.S. and it's about letting breast cancer survivors know what options they have after they've had their mastectomies.
Plastic surgeon, Dr. Kelly Gallego with Tri-State Specialists in Sioux City, is taking part in the day. He says about seven out of ten breast cancer survivors feel they don't know about all of their options.
"We are trying to give patients a better understanding of what their options are for breast reconstruction, give them more awareness about insurance coverage, the pros and cons about breast reconstruction, and really help patients make the right choice for them," says Dr. Gallego.
Breast reconstruction is not considered a cosmetic procedure and even though by law it's covered by insurance, only about 20 percent of women choose to have reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Gallego says it's an important part for many patients to feel whole again after their treatments.
"The choice to have breast reconstruction is a unique choice and it's a very individual decision for each woman who goes through breast cancer surgery has to make," says Dr. Gallego.
From now on, Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day will be the third Wednesday every year in October.
For more information about Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, go to http://www.bradayusa.org/ or visit Dr. Gallego's blog at http://www.drgallego.com/2012/10/breast-reconstruction-awareness-day-2012/.
