Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day works to inform women of their options following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Every woman should know the options she is legally entitled to. Even if reconstruction is delayed, federal law mandates coverage of breast reconstruction for all. Less than a quarter of women know the range of breast reconstruction options available, only 22 percent know the quality of outcomes they should expect, and just 19 percent understand how much the timing of their treatment and decision impacts their options and results.

Vitamin D is essential for good bone health, and promotes good overall bodily function. When paired with calcium, vitamin D can help prevent osteoporosis, which is highly common in women who have started menopause. Research also shows that women with low levels of vitamin D are at greater risk for breast cancer, but can reduce their risk significantly by increasing their intake of this healthy vitamin.

Breast reconstruction can be an exciting experience for women who have survived breast cancer. This procedure helps restore the appearance and feel of a natural breast, and allows women to regain their confidence and self-esteem after mastectomy. Recovering from breast reconstruction can often take up to several weeks, depending on how you care for yourself following surgery.

Mammogram screenings are an important part of preventive health care for women, and can help detect and diagnose breast cancer in its early stages. Women who have had breast augmentation often have concerns about whether implants will interfere with screening, and whether mammograms are safe to undergo with implants. Knowing what to expect from mammograms if you have breast implants can help you stay safe and informed when it comes to detecting breast cancer.

Before you undergo breast reconstruction surgery, you should be well informed about the procedure, your options, and the expected end result. The plastic surgeons at Monarch Plastic Surgery will be able to answer all of your questions and concerns about breast reconstruction surgery so you are able to make an informed and educated decision. The following are a few questions and discussion points to bring to your appointment with your plastic surgeon.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about education and honoring the fighters and survivors. An important part of breast cancer awareness involves knowing its symptoms, how to detect it, and what you can do to protect yourself and others from this disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and one of the aspects of “awareness” comes from knowing about the disease, its signs and symptoms, and your risk. These are all important parts of helping to prevent and treat this disease, which will affect about one in eight women.