Bra Day USA
Bra Day USA:
Celebrated on the third Wednesday in October, the Bra USA day is observed to educate and create awareness among the general public regarding breast cancer and the various procedures that women can resort to after undergoing life-altering procedures such as mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Year | Date | Day | Where |
2023 | 18th October | Wednesday | United States |
2023 | 16th October | Wednesday | United States |
2025 | 15th October | Wednesday | United States |
Twitter Hashtags:
#BradayUSA
Related: Other National Days Celebrated on October:
Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day
Why Bra Day USA?
Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in the 21st century owing to lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and obesity in adolescents and young adults as well. According to the recent reports by WHO, over 2.26 million new breast cancer cases were reported in 2020 alone. While advanced medical technology has been employed in the early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer patients, the rehabilitation options following treatment are less popular and unexplored. The Bra Day USA is here to change that!
The month of October is all about educating the masses on breast cancer. The Bra Day USA or the Breast Reconstruction Awareness day is celebrated in the same month and is observed to bridge the gap that is found in most of the awareness programs; the lack of outreach concerning the breast reconstruction procedures available after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. While it might seem like a secondary issue compared to the ordeals of the treatment and recovery, many women struggle with the fact that they have to live without a part of their body that once shaped their dresses and fed their young ones.
Research showed that at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis many women are unaware of the breast reconstruction options that they can avail and this was one of the founding reasons for the observance. The campaign is sponsored and financially supported by several individuals, private practice, corporations, and associations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF). Their motto of educating, engaging, and empowering women to choose what is apt for them after breast cancer also includes educating their family, women, and caregivers that unless a woman is aware of the options available, the process is still incomplete.
The campaigns adopt a multifaceted approach involving traditional and modern methods involving national and local programs to inform and communicate to the public the options available after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. A breast reconstruction enables the breasts to have a normal appearance after undergoing the procedures. The reconstruction can either be flap reconstruction or implant-based. The implant-based reconstruction employs breast implants to restore the form whereas autologous or flap reconstruction uses a graft from the patient’s own body. The decision to undergo these procedures depends on several factors like the type of mastectomy, the patient’s body type, and cancer treatment.
A notable event that was inspired from the Bra day, is the No Bra Day. The No Bra day event was conceived by an anonymous individual named Anastasia Doughnuts. She published the event by creating a website and promoted the event when Bra day was celebrated for the first time in Toronto in 2011. While events like the No Bra day focuses on breast cancer screening and awareness programs, the Bra day focuses more on breast reconstruction.
This day paves a way to make individuals more cautious about breast health which subsequently leads to early detection, diagnosis, and prevention of breast cancer. While breasts are considered a taboo topic people are encouraged to talk about breast cancer which is one of the preventable forms of cancer. The Bra Day is all about enabling women to make an informed decision about their bodies and reassuring them throughout the journey by affirming that above all, their choice matters the most.
How Can We Celebrate Bra Day USA:
- Don’t Let The Cancer Outrun You
The best way to observe this day is to nip cancer at an early stage. For this regular screening and self-examination are recommended. Notice any abnormal changes in your breast such as lumps, discharge, puckering, or dimpling.
If you are a guy you can encourage your friends and family to take up screening and self-examinations regularly.
For women aged above 35, a mammogram is highly recommended, especially if there is a family history.
- Contribute To The Cause
– You can sponsor a Bra procedure or send your donations to the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Funds and other organizations that sponsor women who do not have the means to undergo the procedure.
- Create Awareness
Share your posts on Bra using the #BraDayUSA on social media and voice your support for the event by joining campaigns.
Interesting Facts On Bra Day USA:
Few facts Related to Bra Day USA
-The first case of breast cancer was recorded in the Edwin Smith Papyrus found in Egypt. The case reported growths and ulcers within the breast.
-The first radical mastectomy was performed in 1882 by an American Surgeon William Halsted. The procedure came to be known as Halsted Mastectomy.
-It is estimated that more than 3 million women in the US have a history of breast cancer
-The song “Flower” written by the songwriter and singer Jewel was dedicated to Bra Day. She is the spokeswoman for the campaign.
-The Pink ribbons became the official symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness after the Susan G Komen Foundation gave out pink ribbons to the breast cancer survivors who participated in the event Race for the Cure in 1991.
History Of Bra Day USA:
The Bra Day was first organized by the Canadian plastic surgeon, Dr. Mitchell Brown. It was an event based on learning and sharing on breast reconstruction. The event gained popularity and was observed in the USA for the first time as Bra Day USA on 17th October.