(WTNH) — Many women undergoing breast cancer treatment are not aware of their options when it comes to surgery. Some look into getting mastectomies after being diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s traditionally meant the entire breast is removed, but now women may not have to have that type of operation. Experts want women to make more informed decisions. That’s why Wednesday was National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA day.
Jami Tyska works at LifeChoice Donor Services, an organ procurement organization. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed surgery – and a tissue donation.
“I remember all too well when I was diagnosed,” she said. “I’ve worked for LifeChoice for many years. I’ve always supported donation. I never thought I’d be a recipient until I needed my double mastectomy.”
Surgeons used breast tissue from a donor as part of her reconstruction surgery. Skin sparing mastectomies can be done about 75 percent of the time. Doctors say using tissue – either from a donor or from the woman’s own body – as part of the surgery has its advantages.
“Over time a woman’s own body grows into that tissue,” said Alex Au, Director of the Yale School of Medicine Breast Reconstruction Program. “You still have the risk of infection but it’s different than say a mesh.”
Less than a quarter of women know the range of reconstruction options available. Experts are hoping BRA Day will make women more aware. They met with women at Yale-New Haven Hospital to talk about reconstruction surgery.
“That ranges from expanders and implants to using a woman’s own tissue, including tissue from the belly or fat from the belly to reconstruct the breasts after mastectomy,” said Au.
Since breast cancer is prevalent there’s a need for tissue donation. There’s a push to get the word out about it. Tyska says it is important – the surgery was a big part of her recovery.
“You look like yourself again so it helps a great deal emotionally in your cure and accepting the fact that you had this disease,” she said.
About half of people in Connecticut are registered organ and tissue donors.
