"You'll know in your heart what the right decision is for you and I want all women to be informed on the options that they have available to them," says Lisa, a patient who shared her journey to breast reconstruction with the audience.
"You'll know in your heart what the right decision is for you and I want all women to be informed on the options that they have available to them," says Lisa, a patient who shared her journey to breast reconstruction with the audience.
Credit
Matthew Manor/KHSC

On the evening of Tuesday, October 17 more than 170 people gathered at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts for BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day, a special event geared to educating and informing women about their options around breast cancer treatment.

“We wanted to close the loop on breast cancer and make reconstruction an integral part of the conversation,” says Dr. Glykeria Martou, a physician with Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and event organizer. “We want patients to feel empowered to make an informed choice on what treatment option is best for them.”

For patients this event was a meaningful way to share their story and connect with others who can understand their journey with breast cancer.

“When I walked into the room I felt like I was part of a community and can see myself and my experience in each of the women here,” says Lisa, a survivor of breast cancer and past patient who shared her story with the audience. “This event is such an important opportunity for women to connect with other breast cancer patients, to share knowledge and gain information on treatment options which empowers them to make an informed decision about what is best for them.”

The evening began with presentations from experts in the breast cancer field who shared information on breast cancer care, options in surgical oncology treatment, genetic testing information and what is possible with breast reconstruction. After the presentation, women were invited to visit the Show & Tell lounge, an innovative space where volunteers show attendees the real-life results of their breast reconstruction.

“A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience for a woman, for her family, for society,” says Dr. Martou. “In this space women, their families and the community can learn about the services we have to offer them as options along their breast cancer journey. Breast reconstruction may not be the right or best option for every woman, but by listening to others who have gone through the experience they can be fully informed in their decision-making process.”

BRA Day is an annual event that is made possible with support from the Canadian Cancer Society. Planning is already underway for next year so stayed tuned for next year’s event details!

 

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