Breast cancer survivors still have difficult decisions to make

Women who have battled breast cancer often have to consider whether reconstruction post-mastectomy is right for them.

An event to help them make that decision is being held next week at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.

Hosted by Halton Healthcare in conjunction with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day, is a free event for those from Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills weighing their post-mastectomy options.

“Women with breast cancer face significant challenges, and the choices surrounding breast reconstruction can feel overwhelming,” said Dr. Stephen Chin, interim vice-president, Medical Affairs.

“Halton Healthcare is committed to bringing incredible expertise and guidance in making these important decisions to patients in our community. It’s crucial women have the opportunity to receive expert information directly, ask questions, and connect with community resources and a supportive community of women who have gone through similar experiences.”

Attendees will be able to access presentations from Halton Healthcare’s breast reconstruction experts, mix and mingle with the experts and interact with community partner vendor booths.

They will also have an opportunity to visit our Show and Tell Lounge, which offers a unique opportunity to hear from patients who have been through it and completed breast reconstruction and see real-life results.

“I am deeply passionate about this event, as I am a breast cancer survivor myself,” said Dr. Alexandra Ginty, family medicine physician and surgical assistant at Oakville hospita..

“It’s crucial for women to understand the options available to them after a mastectomy. Every patient has unique choices and empowering them with information is essential for making informed decisions that are right for them. Seeing and talking to women in the Show and Tell Lounge is the real difference that this event makes.”

BRA Day is Wednesday, Oct. 9. Although free, registration is required. Registration and exhibits open at 4:30 pm with speakers starting at 5:00 pm, followed by the opportunity to mix and mingle and visit the show-and-tell lounge.

Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital is located at 3001 Hospital Gate.