Telluride’s Dr. Jeff Ptak: breast cancer and reconstruction

12 Oct Telluride’s Dr. Jeff Ptak: breast cancer and reconstruction

[click “Play”, Dr. Ptak speaks with Susan about breast cancer and reconstructive surgery]

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Telluride, the Ah Haa School for the Arts is celebrating in support, designating the 10th month of the year  to “The Art of Being a Woman.” Among the events on the agenda is BRA-vo, a bra invitational: bras gathered from local donations are to be decorated throughout the month, then displayed by stunning models, all men, all jocks, on the runway at the school Thursday, October 21, 7 – 9 p.m. We are LOL just thinking about it. But breast cancer is no laughing matter.

Breast cancer: two words that strike fear in the hearts of women around the world – and with good reason. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Research from the National Cancer Institute reveals that in the U.S. in 2010 alone, over 200,000 women were diagnosed with the disease.

But the news is not all bad. The lead story of the October 2010 issue of Harvard Women’s Health Watch is all about new treatment protocols that make dealing with the consequences of the disease a lot easier. Making things easier is also the job of part-time local Dr. Jeff Ptak, renowned cosmetic surgeon (and surgical dermatologist at the Telluride Medical Center). Dr. Ptak  deals with the consequences of breast cancer in his practice every day, attempting to put a positive spin on a tough diagnosis.

Listen to Dr. Ptak’s interview by clicking the “play” button for answers to often-asked questions about  the disease itself, implants and innovations in reconstruction.