BRA Day offers support, reconstruction information
Women with breast cancer are often unaware of post-surgery options
For many women, hearing the news “you have breast cancer” is like being in an explosion. Shellshocked, they become focused on the pivotal next steps of treatment.
Unfortunately, many are unaware of post-surgery options, so they end up waiting months or even years if they choose to get breast reconstruction.
“I had known for so long (surgery) would be the path I took. But a lot of women don’t have a lot of time to prepare,” said Madeleine Hamilton, 37, who learned as a teenager she was a carrier of a cancer gene.
She underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction last year and worries many women with breast cancer don’t know what their options are.
“You’re facing so much at the time of diagnosis that breast reconstruction may not be at the top of their priority list,” Hamilton said.
An event on Saturday aims to demystify the process of breast reconstruction and provide support for women. The sixth annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day runs from 1-4 p.m. at the Heritage Medical Research Building at Foothills Medical Centre.
“There will be show-and-tell rooms where women who have gone through it will be able to talk to those interested or considering it. You’ll be able to see before and after photos,” said Kristin Bernhard, an Alberta Health Services spokeswoman.
There will also be surgeons’ lectures on the type, timing, risks and benefits of the different procedures, displays on topics such as simulated nipple surgery and tattoo reconstruction, and a lounge for friends and family to share experiences.
“There will be lots of support at this event. This is a place for women to learn more about their topics,” Bernhard said.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women, but only one in 10 opt for the reconstruction surgery, a fully insured medical procedure in Canada. There’s a number of reasons for this, including lack of information given to patients at diagnosis, lack of services in rural areas and lengthy wait lists for consultations and surgery.
Hamilton knew from age 17 she was a carrier for the BRCA2 gene, which put her at a high risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer. She put off any treatment until after she married and had children.
Once she finished breastfeeding her second son, now three, she opted to have a prophylactic (preventive) double mastectomy. She researched the procedure a lot but it wasn’t until she went to a BRA Day run by Alberta Health Services that she got all the information she needed.
“All the research you do pales in comparison to going to BRA Day. Until you see the photos, talk to women, hear from doctors about the surgery, you can’t know. You’ll see these women who are now thriving and with beautiful bodies who aren’t sick anymore.”
Hamilton says attending the event is the best thing a husband, partner or friend can do for a loved one.
“Having supports is so important. My husband came and saw what I was facing. I was very lucky that he came and walked this journey with me.”