All the progress that has been made in breast reconstruction over the past two decades can make it easy to forget that this important procedure wasn’t always available to help breast cancer patients feel more normal about the surgery they’ve undergone. With almost 250,000 women being diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. alone every year, the availability of breast reconstruction surgery for these patients is of the utmost importance.
Last December was a historic month for breast cancer, as the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act (BCPEA) was passed by Congress. This bi-partisan policy (one of the few things both political parties seem to be able to agree on these days) was a top priority for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The bill attempts to address the fact that every patient who has undergone breast surgery due to cancer has the right to reconstructive surgery, if their insurance policy covers it. But gaps in knowledge on the patients’ part frequently leaves them unaware of their options, and thus limits how many of them ultimately decide to opt in to this potentially life-changing procedure.
Since the passage of the Women’s Health Care and Cancer Rights Act in 1998, health plans offering breast cancer coverage have been required to provide coverage for breast reconstruction and prostheses. However, fewer than 50% of all women requiring a mastectomy are currently offered breast reconstruction surgery and fewer than one in five ultimately elect to undergo the procedure. One recent study found that almost one-fifth of women who choose not to undergo a reconstruction procedure lacked knowledge about the procedure in general.
The Breast Cancer Patient Education Act attempts to remedy this issue by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to plan and implement an educational campaign that informs breast cancer patients of the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction procedures, prostheses, and other options. The educational materials would inform women that breast reconstruction is possible at the same time as breast cancer surgery, that it may be delayed until after other treatments, or that they may choose not to have reconstruction and instead opt for prostheses. Once a woman is fully aware of her reconstruction options, she should be in a better position to make an educated decision about which option is right for her.
St. Charles Plastic Surgery has extensive experience with breast reconstruction procedures, and is available to answer all your questions. To set up a consultation and discuss your breast reconstruction options, contact us today.
