EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Today marks National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, observed annually on the third Wednesday of October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The day aims to educate patients and the public about breast reconstruction options following a mastectomy or lumpectomy, while also celebrating the strength and resilience of breast cancer survivors.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, only 23% of women are aware of the full range of breast reconstruction options available to them after a mastectomy, and fewer than 20% elect to undergo immediate reconstruction.
Dr. Stephanie Nemir, Secretary of Medical Staff at University Medical Center and the Chief of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Texas Tech Health El Paso, joined KTSM 9 News primetime anchor Andy Morgan live at 6:30 p.m. to discuss what the options are for breast reconstruction, many of which are covered by health insurance companies.
“I think that it’s also very important for patients to know that since 1998, which was when the Women’s Cancer Right Act was passed, all insurance companies that cover breast cancer care have to cover post mastectomy reconstruction,” said Dr. Nemir. “I think a lot of women are afraid that this is something that would be cosmetic or something they would have to pay out of pocket for, but it’s actually something that is typically covered by their insurance, even years after the fact.”
Dr. Nemir also emphasized the importance of yearly mammograms for women over the age of 40, noting that early detection is imperative.
National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the available options for breast cancer survivors and the importance of early detection through regular screenings.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KTSM. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KTSM staff before being published.
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