The annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day, hosted by the Peter Gilgan Centre for Women’s Cancers at Women’s College Hospital (WCH) took place in-person and online on October 16, 2024.
The event, generously sponsored by The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS), Breast Implants by Mentor, Allergan Aesthetics, and Rethink Breast Cancer was a great success with over 500 attendees in-person and online. Attendees had the opportunity to explore breast reconstruction options through presentations by experts in the field, hear firsthand from those who have already had reconstruction, see real life reconstruction results, and have their questions answered.
“This event was extremely well run and the patient stories combined with the clinical content was helpful in understanding what may happen during and after breast reconstruction. Women need to see realistic examples to make informed choices, and BRA Day offered that.” – Participant from BRA Day 2024
The evening began with presentations by leading Canadian breast reconstruction experts. Topics included tissue-based reconstruction, using implants, post-reconstruction, psychosocial aspects, and recovery.
Dr. Mitchell Brown, Plastic Surgeon, Women’s College Hospital
Dr. Adrian McArdle, Plastic Surgeon, Trillium Health Partners
Dr. Mary-Helen Mahoney, Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgeon, North York General Hospital
Dr. Laura Snell, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Ms. Luana Pereira, Social Worker & Psychotherapist, Peter Gilgan Centre for Women’s Cancers at Women’s College Hospital
Dr. Sophocles Voineskos, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, St. Joseph’s Health Centre
Attendees also heard the stories of patient volunteers who bravely shared their inspiring reconstruction journeys, providing attendees a firsthand glimpse into their reasons for choosing reconstruction and the experiences that followed.
Following the presentations, attendees participated in the hybrid Q&A session moderated by Dr. Mitchell Brown.
The event continued with The Show and Tell Lounge, sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society, offering both in person and virtual attendees the unique opportunity to see a wide variety of real-life breast reconstruction results and speak to those with lived experience of reconstruction.
“The Show and Tell Lounge was diversely represented and informative. Seeing the results of so many different patients helped me feel confident about my own decisions.” – Participant from BRA Day 2024
In addition, in-person attendees enjoyed refreshments and explored exhibitor booths, discovering a range of support options for women who have had or are considering breast reconstruction. A big thank you to our exhibitors:
- After Breast Cancer
- Allergan Aesthetics
- BM Signature Inc
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Dragons Abreast
- Elmwood Spa
- Karen Kingsley RMT
- Kirkham Lab, University of Toronto
- Melmira
- MENTOR® | J&J MedTech
- Restore-me after breast cancer – Areola Tattooing
- Rethink Breast Cancer
- Toronto Physiotherapy
- Tuck Tats
- WCH Genetic Counsellor
- WCH Social Worker
“Breast reconstruction may not be the right choice for every woman, but every woman deserves to have access to accurate, unbiased information so that she can make an informed decision,” shares Dr. Mitchell Brown, Plastic Surgeon, Women’s College Hospital and one of the founders of BRA Day.
The Peter Gilgan Centre for Women’s Cancers looks forward to future BRA Day events and support more women across the country considering post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.
See more event photos below and learn about BRA Day here: https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/bra-day
