Nearly 70 percent of women who are eligible for breast reconstruction procedures are not informed of other options available to them, according to a recent report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Statistics released by the (ASPS) shows there was a 39 percent increase in breast reconstruction procedures last year, compared to 2007.  However, research shows that many of the patients who underwent the 79,000 total breast reconstruction procedures missed out on important information that should take place at the time of diagnosis.

"Women need to understand all of their options to make an informed decision," said ASPS President John Canady, MD. "Those who are diagnosed should be immediately referred to a full team of physicians that can provide breast care, and plastic surgeons need to be included as part of that treatment team."

The ASPS has taken “the position that every woman deserves the right to choose which, if any reconstruction option is best for her,” according to organization.  Additionally, believing that collaboration amongst specialties is essential, the group suggests that primary care, general surgery, radiology, pathology, oncology, gynecology, and plastic surgery be available from the onset of treatment.

The ASPS plans to reach out to women through a variety of materials, ranging from information cards and online videos, to an ad campaign featured online and in the waiting-room publication produced by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

[Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons]