Richmond Plastic Surgeons Emphasize Breast Cancer Awareness Year-Round

RICHMOND, VA--(Marketwired - Oct 28, 2015) - Although Breast Cancer Awareness Month is coming to an end, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Neil J. Zemmel and Dr. Steven J. Montante are stressing the importance of staying aware of the disease all year long. The Richmond plastic surgery team works closely with breast cancer survivors through reconstruction, and they see firsthand the impact it has on individuals' and their families' lives. Since early detection is the key to prompt treatment, Drs. Zemmel and Montante encourage women to perform self-examinations and undergo routine screenings.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. As such a prevalent and devastating disease, the ACS recommends most women undergo cancer screening at the following ages and rates:

• Ages 40-44: can choose to undergo a cancer screening with mammograms
• Ages 45-54: should begin getting screened every year
• Ages 55 and older: should get mammograms every two years, or yearly if they choose
  
  

While these are general guidelines from the ACS, they may vary according to the individual's family history and other risk factors. For example, the ACS says higher risk women can benefit from MRIs in addition to routine mammograms.

For those diagnosed with breast cancer, Drs. Zemmel and Montante explain it is important for them to be informed of their breast reconstruction options-whether they plan to undergo reconstruction or not. Unfortunately, studies have revealed the majority of those with breast cancer are not referred to a plastic surgeon prior to their cancer-related surgery. Due to this fact, Drs. Zemmel and Montante are dedicated to educating women about how reconstruction can restore a natural breast shape and potentially improve their quality of life, should they choose to move forward with it.

From getting routine cancer screenings to learning about their reconstructive options, Drs. Zemmel and Montante emphasize the need for women to be aware of their breast health and seek information regarding their options following a cancer diagnosis.

About Richmond Aesthetic Surgery

At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, Drs. Zemmel and Montante perform a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical care. Among the many procedures offered, the team dedicates a large portion of the practice to working with breast cancer survivors, helping them restore the breast tissue lost from a mastectomy. When a patient comes to Richmond Aesthetic Surgery in hopes of learning more about their breast reconstruction options, the team of medical professionals strives to provide care with the utmost compassion and respect. The surgeons are available for interview upon request.

For more information about Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, visit richmondplasticsurgery.com, vabreastsurgery.com, and plus.google.com/109479035144616950506/about.

To view the original source of this press release, click here: https://www.richmondplasticsurgery.com/latest-news/richmond-plastic-surgeons-emphasize-breast-cancer-awareness-year-round/