Singer song writer Jewel joined HuffPost Live host Abby Huntsman Thursday for a discussion about Breast Reconstruction Awareness, for which she is the national spokesperson.
Jewel has recently released her new song "Flower" about breast reconstruction to help raise funds and awareness.
Joining Jewel and Abby Huntsman were Michelle Manahan, Assistant Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at John Hopkins; breast cancer survivor Barbara Kriss; Sue Friedman, who has undergone a double mastectomy, and Kathy Steligo author of "The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook."
When asked why this issue is important to her, Jewel said, "Women's health in general is very important to me. I was just very shocked to learn the survival rates for women with breast cancer go up after reconstructive surgery." She continued, "I was shocked to find out that 70% of women are not informed what their options are."
Manahan explained, "Sometimes it's an issue of access" to information. She continued, "Our goal is not to force anyone down one path or another, but to let them learn for themselves what the best options are."
Kathy Steligo has had breast cancer and breast reconstructive surgery. "From experience and research, I've had breast reconstruction twice," she said. "The first time I had reconstruction I had implants and they didn't work out for me."
According to Kathy, breast reconstruction has come a long way in the last 10 years. "When I first did the research for this book I was appalled at the lack of information," she said.
For more information, visit Breast Reconstruction Awareness.