During Women's Health Week (May 12-18), the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act (S.931/H.R. 1984) was introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives. This would direct the Health and Human Services to create an educational campaign to assist women understand their options for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction preoperatively. As we know, a majority of women are unaware of this option, and thus, most women do not have reconstruction of the breast following mastectomy for that reason - because she is not aware of this option.
This legislation would require the Health and Human Services Department to create information about reconstruction options for women. Such educational materials would will hopefully inform women that breast reconstruction is possible at the time of their breast cancer surgery, or anytime after that. It would also inform them of immediate, delayed, and no reconstruction. Also, information will be given in regards to post-mastectomy breast prostheses, if no reconstruction is chosen. Any educational materials will certainly inform breast cancer patients that federal law mandates the coverage of breast reconstruction in accordance with the Women's Health Rights and Cancer Act.
We truly support and commend the Plastic Surgery Society in our efforts and hope that this will make a big impact on the breast cancer patients.
