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WedOct 18

National BRA Day – October 18, 2023

National B.R.A. Day is celebrated annually on the third Wednesday in October to honor women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and this year, it falls on October 18. The holiday’s primary goal is to educate, engage, and empower women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. These women should have access to information they need to make an informed decision about their treatment, including their breast reconstruction options, which means educating patients, their family and caregivers, and the media. However, there is still work to be done in educating women and their families on breast cancer and treatment options.

History of National BRA Day

National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or B.R.A. Day, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the various alternatives available to women who have had breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction is not for everyone, but every woman must be given all the information they need to make an informed decision about available options. Breast cancer treatment has come a long way since Halsted first detailed his surgical approach in 1895. Breast reconstruction has also garnered attention from both doctors and patients alike.

In the 1800s, the first attempt to reconstruct a breast after a mastectomy occurred when a lipoma was transplanted to the location of the mastectomy. Several breast reconstruction procedures, ranging from Gilles’ “walking flap” to the free perforator flap using autogenous tissue for the reconstruction of a breast “mound,” have been developed and refined. The use of tissue expanders for breast reconstruction has also been developed significantly over the last three decades.

Even though breast reconstruction was formerly frowned upon in the early part of the 20th century, it is considered standard practice for women after breast cancer surgery today. Breast reconstruction procedures have advanced greatly over the past few decades. A woman with breast cancer can take comfort in knowing that she will be able to live her life with a breast that resembles and feels just like her own. This can be accomplished with the use of implants or autologous reconstruction. A variety of solutions are available to meet the requirements of the person.

National BRA Day timeline

1895
First Attempt At True Breast Reconstruction

Vincent Czerny, a Heidelberg professor of surgery, is largely credited for the first autogenous breast repair.

1963
Silicone Gel Breast Implant

When Cronin and Gerow introduce the silicone gel breast implant, they usher in a new age of breast reconstruction.

2011
The Beginning Of B.R.A. Day

Dr. Mitchell Brown, a Canadian plastic surgeon, is the brains behind the inception of B.R.A. Day, and the first annual event is held.

2012
Expands To The United States

The event expands to the United States.

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