Are Breast Cancer Patients Being Kept In The Dark?

Plastic Surgeons Show Support, Rally for a Woman's Right to Choose

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., July 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Despite the
increase of breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008, nearly 70
percent of women who are eligible for the procedure are not informed of the
reconstructive options available to them, according to a recently published
report. Newly released statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
(ASPS) shows there were more than 79,000 breast reconstruction procedures
performed in 2008 - a 39 percent increase over 2007. But in spite of this,
current research suggests that many breast cancer patients are missing out on
a key conversation that should take place at the time of diagnosis.

"Women need to understand all of their options to make an informed decision,"
said ASPS President John Canady, MD. "Those who are diagnosed should be
immediately referred to a full team of physicians that can provide breast
care, and plastic surgeons need to be included as part of that treatment
team."

Taking the position that every woman deserves the right to choose which, if
any reconstruction option is best for her, the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons (ASPS) is launching an ongoing effort to bring public awareness to
breast reconstruction issues, including education, access, and a team
approach. Because early involvement by plastic surgeons and other physicians
can allow development of an optimum treatment plan for each individual
patient, collaboration amongst specialties is essential. As such, ASPS
suggests that primary care, general surgery, radiology, pathology, oncology,
gynecology, and plastic surgery be available from the onset of treatment to
ensure the greatest possible outcome for the patient.

It is also important that patients actively participate in their treatment.
Though a common misconception, eligible patients should not assume that anyone
other than a board-certified plastic surgeon affiliated with an accredited
facility is qualified to perform breast reconstruction. While technology has
made breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction better than ever,
it does not negate the need for medical expertise within each specific area of
care.

Among the factors contributing to patient awareness and understanding,
specific education regarding the options for breast reconstruction is often
lacking. Therefore, in the coming months, ASPS will reach out to women through
a variety of materials, ranging from information cards and online videos, to
an ad campaign featured online and in the waiting-room publication produced by
the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

"We know that there are many issues surrounding breast reconstruction and that
addressing them all will take time, but this is a very important first step,"
said Dr. Canady. "Our goal is to make sure that those women who are not
getting breast reconstruction are doing so of their own accord and not because
they are uneducated or uninformed about their options."

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of
board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000
physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and
information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS
comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the
United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by
The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada. For more information, visit
www.plasticsurgery.org/choices.

SOURCE American Society of Plastic Surgeons

ASPS Public Relations, +1-847-228-9900, media@plasticsurgery.org