GILBERT, Ariz. (Oct. 30, 2023) – Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center participated in National Breast Reconstruction Awareness (B.R.A) Day, an event created to share information about post-mastectomy breast reconstruction options, by hosting a free educational event for the community.
The evening included informative sessions from Dr. Irene Ma and Dr. Michel Saint-Cyr, both plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as Kelli Cooper, a certified lymphedema therapist. The three shared detailed information on the importance of breast reconstruction, the different types of breast reconstruction options and tips to best manage lymphedema. There were also numerous vendors on site with various reconstruction products available.
“B.R.A Day is an amazing event that is supported nationally, and we hadn’t had the opportunity to hold this event here before,” said Dr. Ma. “This is a great opportunity for patients and their families to learn more information in regards to breast reconstruction options because unfortunately, not all patients are aware of them. We also wanted to reach out to the community to make sure that they’re aware that we offer these services and can support them in their breast cancer journey.”
Three patients also shared their breast reconstruction journey with the audience, including Linda Vuolo.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was lost. And when I found Banner MD Anderson, I felt like my prayers were answered,” Vuolo said. “They basically saved my life by providing the reconstruction I really needed in a really dark time.”
The national B.R.A. campaign, sponsored by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Plastic Surgery Foundation, involves informing women, family members and caregivers that the breast cancer loop remains open until a woman is informed of her multiple breast reconstruction options. The Banner Health Foundation secured funds from The Plastic Surgery Foundation to put on this event.
About Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center delivers cancer care to patients through the partnership of Banner Health and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner MD Anderson offers focused disease-specific expertise in the medical, radiation and surgical management of the cancer patient; and evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to patient care; access to clinical trial and new investigative therapies; state-of-the-art technology for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of all types of cancer; and oncology expertise in supportive care services. For more information, visit http://www.bannermdanderson.com/
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