Wednesday is national 'BRA' day, which stand for Breast Reconstruction Awareness.
The event was started in 2011 to promote education awareness and access to breast reconstruction.
According to the latest data, only three out of 10 women know what their options are for breast reconstruction surgery.
As many as 50 percent of cancer patients who've undergone a mastectomy have elected to have breast reconstruction surgery.
Yet, while breast reconstruction is a common procedure, a new national survey finds that many women may have not received adequate information to evaluate how it may impact them physically, financially and emotionally.
A new survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Over 2,000 adults in the United States measured common myths and misconceptions about breast reconstruction surgery.
While women have many choices in reconstructive breast surgery – including the option not to have the procedure
More than half of (54%) of women are unsure if there are surgical options beyond breast implants.
62% of women do not know it is possible to regain sensation in the breast and 75% of women do not know it is possible to breastfeed after breast reconstruction.
While surgical techniques allow women to regain sensation in their breasts and even allow some new mothers to breastfeed their infants
Many women who were surveyed were unaware that these were possible after surgery.
73% of women are unsure if they'd be responsible for paying for the surgery, though federal law requires insurance companies to cover the cost of reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy.
At a time when a breast cancer patient is faced with a difficult change in their life,
We want to engage, educate, and empower patients to make a choice that's best for them, which includes knowing their breast reconstruction options. BRA Day helps us to do that," said Lee.
The Breast Reconstruction Awareness campaign involves informing patients, family, caregivers and media that the breast cancer loop remains open until a woman is informed of breast reconstruction options.
BRA Day events are scheduled throughout the nation on October 19 and both the ongoing campaign and events seek to help raise funds to support research and grants in local communities and nationally.