October serves as a reminder to raise awareness, support, and take action towards breast cancer and is dedicated as the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And October 18, 2023, Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA Day), serves to increase public education and promote patient safety and research. 

ISAPS calls on plastic surgeons to provide their skills, including reconstructive breast surgery, to local hospitals and clinics free of charge. Breast cancer is an indiscriminate cause of death and disfigurement, and millions of women worldwide cannot afford access to plastic surgery through private healthcare. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ISAPS encourages its members to give up some time to provide reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery to those most in need.

To continue to raise awareness we have dedicated our monthly ISAPS President’s eMagazine to breast reconstruction, including resources from the ISAPS online video library, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal, and an interview with Dr. Renato Saltz, ISAPS Past President (2016–2018) and founder of the Image Reborn Foundation, whose mission is to provide no-cost renewal retreats for women diagnosed with breast cancer and to assist them in leading rich and fulfilling lives. We invite you to read the interview and watch the video describing his impact and relevance in the specialty and how his foundation supports many affected by breast cancer. 

   
    Renato Saltz
    ISAPS Past-President (2016–2018)

Please join us as we continue our dedicated efforts in promoting education, awareness, and patient safety, not only during this important month and day but consistently and routinely.