Are Breast Cancer Patients Being Properly Informed?
North Texas Plastic Surgeon Committed to Informing Women of Options
Southlake, TX (PRWEB) August 27, 2009
Despite the increase of breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008, nearly 70 percent of women who are eligible for the procedure are not informed of the reconstructive options available to them, according to a recently published report! Newly released statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows there were more than 79,000 breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008 - a 39 percent increase over 2007. But in spite of this, current research suggests that many breast cancer patients are missing out on a key conversation that should take place at the time of diagnosis.
"Women with breast cancer are faced with many tough decisions", says Dr. Sacha Obaid medical director of North Texas Plastic Surgery, www. northtexasplasticsurgery. com. "It is absolutely critical that at the time of diagnosis, women with breast cancer be referred to a team of specialists including a breast surgeon, an oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a board certified plastic surgeon. While the information presented may be overwhelming, it is critical that women know that they can be made whole again. They also must know that the road to rebuilding their body can begin the same day as the surgery to remove their tumor. Unfortunately, many women are not presented these options."
Taking the position that every woman deserves the right to choose which, if any reconstruction option is best for her, North Texas Plastic Surgery is launching an ongoing effort to bring public awareness to breast reconstruction issues, including education, access, and a team approach. In the coming months, Dr. Obaid's team will reach out through a variety of materials, ranging from direct mail pieces to physicians specializing in women's care, online breast reconstruction information, online breast reconstruction question and answers, brochures to be displayed in primary care offices, and a lecture series.
"My goal is to make sure that every woman given the diagnosis of breast cancer in the United States is presented every option available. That way she can make the best decision for her."
About North Texas Plastic Surgery
Founded in October 2007, North Texas Plastic Surgery opened its doors in March 2008. The practice's primary physician, Dr. Sacha Obaid, studied medicine at Harvard Medical School and studied plastic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern and the New York University Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Obaid splits his practice between cosmetic plastic surgery and pediatric reconstruction surgery. His specialties include cosmetic facial and body procedures, liposuction, pediatric craniofacial surgery and breast reconstruction.
North Texas Plastic Surgery is located in the Harris Methodist Center for Diagnostics and Surgery at 1545 E. Southlake Blvd. Suite 250, Southlake, TX 76092 For more information, visit www. northtexasplasticsurgery. com or call (817) 416-8080.
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