Too Many WomenDon’t Get Valuable Information About Breast Cancer (NAPSA)—Understanding their options can makea big difference to the health and well-being of the nearly 250,000 women who the American Cancer Society estimates will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Many will face the difficult decision to undergo a mastectomy—the surgical removal of one or both breasts. However, a new survey conducted by the Cancer Support Community (CSC) found that 43 percent of women do not get information about breast reconstruction options at the timeof their diagnosis. Understanding one’s breast reconstruction options soon after diagnosis is an important part of the treatment-planning process. In fact, the same survey found that women whoreceived information about reconstruction at diagnosis reported that they were mostly or extremely satisfied with their decision to undergo breast reconstruction nearly 87 percent of the time. To ensure that patients have access to the information they need to make an informed choice about breast reconstruction, the CSC launched “Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Spotlight on Breast Reconstruction.” Developed with support from Mentor Worldwide Resourceslike the CSC’s website provide comprehensive information about breast reconstruction for patients. LLC, this comprehensive patientempowerment program stream- lines information about breast reconstruction and provides useful tools to help women speak openly with their physicians about whether reconstruction surgery is right for them. As part of the program, the CSC will be hosting free, live workshops for patients in search of more information about breast reconstruction. To learn more, visit www.CancerSupportCom munity.org or call (202) 659-9709.
