An event aimed at helping women who have had a mastectomy make an informed decision about breast reconstruction is returning to the city.
St. Joseph's Health Care London's breast care program is hosting its first in-person BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day event in three years on Wednesday. The annual event at St. Joseph’s Hospital had been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The goal of the day is to offer knowledge, support, and sisterhood to attendees by giving them a chance to meet the team of health care professionals who will treat them and other women who have undergone the surgery.
"We want patients to walk away from this event feeling a little less alone and empowered regarding their options,” said Dr. Tanya DeLyzer, a plastic surgeon who will be among the presenters at BRA Day. “When they leave, we hope they have the information they need to help them with the difficult decisions ahead.”
Twenty women have volunteered to share their experience and outcomes with breast reconstruction with the women who attend this year's event. As well, those in attendance will also learn about the various breast reconstruction options from St. Joseph’s surgeons.
Dr. DeLyzer, along with three other members of the breast care program’s surgical team, will also talk about the non-reconstruction and alternative options.
“Each patient has unique options available to them, and gaining information around the choices is empowering and helps them make the best decisions for them," said Dr. DeLyzer. “It’s important to be able to receive information first-hand, ask questions and be connected to community and resources.”
The BRA Day event will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday. It is free to attend, however, registration is required. Women interested in attending can register online www.sjhc.london.on.ca/events/breast-reconstruction-bra-day.