News
Collecting Bras For The Lighthouse
By: Gretchen Gregory | The Logan Daily News Editor
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In celebration of National BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day, which was Oct. 16, Fairfield Medical Center, Central Ohio Plastic Surgery and Ohio University Lancaster facilitated the collection of 50 bras for the Lighthouse, a domestic violence shelter for women.
“According to the Women’s Health Act of 1998, if an insurance company covers a mastectomy, it must also cover reconstruction,” said
Dr. Jason Lichten, board-certified plastic surgeon with Central Ohio Plastic Surgery.
He added that when a woman has a single mastectomy, the insurance company also must cover the symmetry surgery for the other breast, such as a reduction, implant or lift, to balance the breasts.
The goal of BRA Day is to ensure all breast cancer patients are fully informed of their surgical options and are supported by a team of medical professionals working together for the patient's best interest. Many women who have courageously battled breast cancer and have made it through life-saving surgery also must grapple with their new bodies. Research shows 70 percent of women eligible for breast reconstruction are not even informed of their options.
This was the second year for the bra collection. Bras were collected earlier this month at the Fairfield Medical Center Café, Dr. Lichten’s Office, Fairfield Medical Cancer Resource Center, Fairfield Diagnostic Imaging, Diagnostic Health Services, River View Surgery Center, Ohio University Lancaster, Central Ohio General Surgeons and General Surgical Associates.