BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness Event) Pink Month Celebration

BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day is an initiative founded by Toronto Plastic Surgery’s own Dr. Mitchell Brown, that promotes education, awareness and access for women considering post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

See what he has to say about it.

1. First, what is BRA day? 

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is an initiative that promotes education, awareness and access for women considering post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Today, hundreds of educational events are held across the world on and around BRA Day, which typically occurs on the third Wednesday of October. These events bring physicians, surgeons, nurses, support staff and, especially, patients together to improve education and awareness around options for breast reconstruction.

 2. Why is this event so important to you? 

I am so lucky to have many great reconstructive options for breast cancer patients. Unfortunately, there are still far too many women that are never presented with these options. Education and awareness are the first steps to ensure that women with breast cancer can make the best choice about whether or not to undergo reconstruction and what type of reconstruction is best for them.

 3. Dr. Brown, tell us a bit about why you founded the event. 

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day was founded in 2011 to address a clear need for better access, education and awareness for options related to breast reconstruction. Over the many years of my career, I had been meeting with women who had previously undergone mastectomy and went years without knowing that breast reconstruction was even an option. To me, this was unthinkable, especially in an advanced country like Canada. The message certainly has grown and since 2011 BRA Day is now celebrated in over 30 countries worldwide.

4. Who can benefit from this event? 

Breast cancer patients, their families and support networks, physicians, surgeons and other healthcare workers that look after breast cancer patients can all benefit from BRA Day events. This event will provide an overview of current options for reconstruction both in the immediate (same time as mastectomy surgery) and delayed (months or years later) settings. It will provide an opportunity to ask questions of the surgeons involved as well as from recent patients that have undergone reconstruction or even those that have chosen not to.

Agenda below:

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Networking and Refreshments

Join us for 30 minutes of networking at the beginning of the event, where you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and build valuable connections. Enjoy a cup of coffee and delectable sweets as you mingle with like-minded individuals who share a passion for supporting breast cancer patients.

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM: Opening Remarks

5 min Canadian Business Council

5 min Al Jalila Foundation TBC

5 min Dr. Mitchell Brown video message

Our hosts will welcome the attendees, expressing gratitude for their presence and emphasizing the importance of the breast reconstruction awareness in improving the QUALITY of LIVES of breast cancer survivors.

9:15 AM - 9:25 AM: Dr. Serife Simsek, Breast Surgeon, Dubai UAE

"Advancements in Breast Cancer Treatment and Survival Rates "

A Dubai based Breast Surgeon will share the latest advancements and techniques in breast cancer treatment, highlighting the positive impact they have on the physical and emotional well-being of patients.

9:25 AM - 9:35 AM: Dr.Stefano Pompei, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Dubai & Rome

"The actual role of Plastic Surgeon in Breast Conservation Treatment Era "

Dr.Pompei , takes virtually the stage to discuss innovative approaches to breast reconstruction. By exploring cutting-edge technologies and procedures, he will shed light on the remarkable progress being made in the field, offering hope and optimism to those affected by breast cancer.

9:35AM - 9:45AM : Dr. Yoav Barnea, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Tel-Aviv, Israel

"Trends and approaches for immediate reconstruction in case of Mastectomy"

Through an engaging presentation, Dr. Barnea will showcase results and before-and-after images, emphasizing the transformative power of reconstructive procedures.

9:50 AM - 10:00 AM: 2 Patients Testimonial - "Journey to Empowerment"

2 breast cancer survivors will courageously share her personal journey through breast reconstruction. Her powerful story will inspire and enlighten attendees, providing a firsthand account of the transformative impact breast reconstruction can have on one's quality of life and self-confidence. Their story will instill hope and motivate attendees to support and uplift those on similar journeys.

10:00 - 10:20 AM: Q&A Session

Discussants : CBC Dubai & Al Jalila Foundation Representatives

During this interactive session, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions to the participating surgeons and the patient's testimonials. Engage in an enlightening conversation, seeking expert advice and gaining deeper insights into the intricacies of breast reconstruction and the broader impact on patient's lives.

10:30 AM: Event Conclusion & Final Coffee

As we wrap up this inspiring event, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees, speakers, and organizers for their valuable contributions. Please feel free to stay for an additional 30 minutes of networking, where you can continue conversations, exchange contact information, and foster new connections.

We look forward to your presence at this empowering Breast Reconstruction Awareness Event. Together, let us celebrate the strength and resilience of breast cancer survivors and contribute to creating a brighter future for those affected.

(Note: Graphic details will be included in the slide presentation to provide an accurate representation of the breast reconstruction process.)