This past November, Long Island Plastic Surgical Group was honored to host the Fifth Annual Breast Cancer Summit in Woodbury, New York. There were hundred in attendance, which included cancer experts, medical professionals, researchers, breast cancer survivors, and more. The yearly event was established to help those with breast cancer by bringing the community together, offering resources, and providing overall support. The Summit is also meant to educate patients and share the latest news in cancer detection, treatment, and reconstruction. For those who were unable to attend in person, the event was streamed live so they could still participate.
In the words of LIPSG’s President, Roger L. Simpson, MD, FACS, “It’s important to the practice to do our part and educate the community. We bring together patients, support groups, and medical professionals, and provide a public forum for learning and networking.”
This year we invited ASPS, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, to be a part of our event. Dr. Scot Glasberg, the recent president of ASPS, presented the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act, and shared how the Society was leading the effort to pass better breast reconstruction education into law. We are excited to report that on December 18th, 2015, the BCPEA was signed into law by President Obama. As a result, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to implement an education campaign that informs breast cancer patients about the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction and other post-mastectomy alternatives. This education is not just for patients, but also for health-care providers. Through the BCPEA, we hope to foster a broader understanding of breast cancer treatment and inform women of their options, so that together with their provider, they can choose the best course of treatment.