NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF) are joining 20 other countries as part of an international effort to increase awareness for breast reconstruction options after mastectomy by launching the first national Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day USA.

Renowned singer-songwriter, philanthropist and breast cancer advocate Jewel is the national spokesperson for the U.S.

According these organizations, 7 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer are never told about their breast reconstruction options. However, research shows that breast reconstruction can be instrumental to improving quality of life beyond breast cancer.

BRA Day USA aims to promote education, awareness, and access regarding breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.

Dee Dee Ricks, Bra Day Ambassador, Breast Cancer Survivor and the subject of the HBO Documentary, The Education of Dee Dee Ricks, is speaking out on the subject. For more information, check out her website, theeducationofdeedeericks.com. For more information on BRA day, click here.