FL S0838

Recognizes March 21, 2014, as "Breast Restoration AdVocacy Education (BRAVE) Day" in Florida.

Acknowledges that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, with 288,130 new cases diagnosed nationwide in 2011.

Notes that breast reconstruction following cancer surgery is integral to patient recovery and significantly impacts a woman's self-esteem and well-being.

References the federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, which requires health plans, insurance companies, and health maintenance organizations to cover reconstructive services related to mastectomy.

Emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness about insurance coverage mandates for breast reconstruction so women newly diagnosed with cancer can make informed treatment decisions.