BRA Day event returns to Kingston Oct. 17

For women who face a breast cancer diagnosis, connecting with others who have gone through a similar experience and learning about treatment options are important steps to managing their diagnosis.

To help women with this process, the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, along with the Canadian Cancer Society, has created an exciting event that allows women to meet with plastic surgeons and talk with women who have gone through the experience themselves. Known as BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day, this evening event promotes education, awareness and access for women considering post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

“A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience for a woman, for her family, for society,” says Dr. Glykeria Martou, a physician with Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). “Providing women with an opportunity to connect with others who have gone through that experience and providing the community an opportunity to learn about the treatment options combine to make this an incredibly beneficial and informative evening for all who attend.”

This year’s BRA Day event takes place Tuesday, October 17 at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. Registration for the event is free and light refreshments will be provided.

A highlight of the event will be a Show & Tell Lounge, an innovative space where volunteers show attendees the real-life results of their breast reconstruction.

“We want women to come and get enough information to make an informed decision on their treatment options,” says Martou. “We want them to learn that reconstruction is available to them and is part of their breast cancer care options.”

Along with the Show & Tell Lounge, participants will also be able to hear from experts on topics that include:

·      Dr. Jay Engel: Excellence in Breast Cancer Care

·      Dr. Shaila Merchant: Options in Surgical Oncology Treatment

·      Dr. Jagdeep S. Walia: Who should be tested for the gene mutations?

·      Dr. Glykeria Martou: Breast Reconstruction: What is possible?

All patients, visitors and staff of KHSC and surrounding community who are interested in learning more about breast cancer are encouraged to register and attend.  You can RSVP for the BRA Day event now by clicking here.