Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 1, 2010
In case you have not heard, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. 
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women. Roughly 190,000 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2009, and approximately 40,000 succumb to the disease every year. Still there is much to be hopeful about, and currently there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors alive today in the United States.
There are numerous way for you to show your support to the many women who are currently being treated, or have been treated for breast cancer. The Siouxland Susan G. Komen For The Cure website lists many of these events. There really is something for everybody whether you enjoy eating out, are a big hockey fan, or just enjoy a good afternoon of shopping.
October is also a great time to talk about breast reconstruction options. Roughly 80,000 women undergo breast reconstruction every year. Still, this number is only about 30% of the women who are candidates for reconstruction after a mastectomy.
Deciding to undergo breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is a very individual decision. Some helpful online resources for patients considering breast reconstruction include this section of my practice website, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons site, the American Cancer Society website, BreastCancer.org, and www.breastreconstructionmatters.com.
Of course your best source for professional information on breast reconstruction will be a local board certified plastic surgeon. For more information on my plastic surgery practice check out www.drgallego.com.
