Erica Deligne
Patient Education & Survivorship Advisor
Helping breast centers, cancer programs, and healthcare organizations strengthen patient education, informed decision-making, and survivorship support through the lens of lived experience.
Are Patients Getting the Information They Need?
Navigating breast cancer surgery involves important decisions about a woman's body, treatment, and future. Yet research shows that many women face gaps in understanding their surgical options, potential risks, and long-term considerations. The following findings highlight why better patient education is needed.
33%
Not Completely Informed
Of women who underwent mastectomy alone, 33% did not feel completely informed about their surgical options before surgery.
Source: Journal of the American College of Surgeons | 2018
14.3%
Correctly Identified Risks
Only 14.3% of patients correctly identified the risk range for a major complication within two years of breast reconstruction.
Source: Annals of Surgery | 2016
43.3%
High-Quality Decisions
Only 43.3% of participants met the criteria for a high-quality breast reconstruction decision, based on sufficient knowledge and alignment with personal preferences.
Source: JAMA Surgery | 2017
Every Patient Deserves Clear Information and Support
A breast cancer diagnosis can bring difficult, life-changing decisions in a short period of time. Patients deserve clear, balanced information to help them:
Understand All Surgical Options
Learn about available options, including mound breast reconstruction and flat closure options.
Know the Risks and Considerations
Understand potential risks, benefits, and long-term considerations before making decisions.
Feel Prepared to Ask Questions
Know what to discuss with their healthcare team and feel more confident during consultations.
Make Personal, Informed Decisions
Choose options that reflect their individual needs, values, and preferences.
Understand Recovery and What Comes Next
Learn about recovery expectations, long-term wellness, and life after treatment.
Feel Supported Throughout Their Journey
Have access to helpful guidance, resources, and support beyond diagnosis and initial treatment.
Erica Deligne
Patient Education & Survivorship Advisor
Helping breast centers, cancer programs, and healthcare organizations strengthen patient education, informed decision-making, and survivorship support through the lens of lived experience.
Patient Education Designed for Healthcare Organizations
Your Surgical Options, Explained is designed to complement clinical care by giving patients a resource they can review, revisit, and discuss with their healthcare team.
Created by Erica Deligne, breast cancer survivor and patient advocate, in collaboration with Dr. Benjamin L. Moosavi, double board-certified general and plastic reconstructive surgeon.
Together, they bring the patient and clinical perspectives to an educational resource that helps women better understand their surgical options and make informed decisions.
The guide addresses topics including:
→ Understanding surgical options
→ Mound breast reconstruction options
→ Flat closure reconstruction options
→ Recovery and survivorship
→ Support questions to ask your healthcare team
→ Patient planning tools and decision-making worksheets
→ Support organizations and patient communities
Available for organizational licensing and customization.
Are Patients Getting the Information They Need?
Navigating breast cancer surgery involves important decisions about a woman's body, treatment, and future. Yet research shows that many women face gaps in understanding their surgical options, potential risks, and long-term considerations. The following findings highlight why better patient education is needed.
33%
Not Completely Informed
Of women who underwent mastectomy alone, 33% did not feel completely informed about their surgical options before surgery.
Source: Journal of the American College of Surgeons | 2018
14.3%
Correctly Identified Risks
Only 14.3% of patients correctly identified the risk range for a major complication within two years of breast reconstruction.
Source: Annals of Surgery | 2016
43.3%
High-Quality Decisions
Only 43.3% of participants met the criteria for a high-quality breast reconstruction decision, based on sufficient knowledge and alignment with personal preferences.
Source: JAMA Surgery | 2017
Every Patient Deserves Clear Information and Support
A breast cancer diagnosis can bring difficult, life-changing decisions in a short period of time. Patients deserve clear, balanced information to help them:
Understand All Surgical Options
Learn about available options, including mound breast reconstruction and flat closure options.
Know the Risks and Considerations
Understand potential risks, benefits, and long-term considerations before making decisions.
Feel Prepared to Ask Questions
Know what to discuss with their healthcare team and feel more confident during consultations.
Make Personal, Informed Decisions
Choose options that reflect their individual needs, values, and preferences.
Understand Recovery and What Comes Next
Learn about recovery expectations, long-term wellness, and life after treatment.
Feel Supported Throughout Their Journey
Have access to helpful guidance, resources, and support beyond diagnosis and initial treatment.
Patient Education Designed for Healthcare Organizations
Your Surgical Options, Explained is designed to complement clinical care by giving patients a resource they can review, revisit, and discuss with their healthcare team.
Created by Erica Deligne, breast cancer survivor and patient advocate, in collaboration with Dr. Benjamin L. Moosavi, double board-certified general and plastic reconstructive surgeon.
Together, they bring the patient and clinical perspectives to an educational resource that helps women better understand their surgical options and make informed decisions.
The guide addresses topics including:
→ Understanding surgical options
→ Mound breast reconstruction options
→ Flat closure reconstruction options
→ Recovery and survivorship
→ Support questions to ask your healthcare team
→ Patient planning tools and decision-making worksheets
→ Support organizations and patient communities
Available for organizational licensing and customization.
Erica Deligne
Patient Education & Survivorship Advisor
Helping breast centers, cancer programs, and healthcare organizations strengthen patient education, informed decision-making, and survivorship support through the lens of lived experience.
Are Patients Getting the Information They Need?
Navigating breast cancer surgery involves important decisions about a woman's body, treatment, and future. Yet research shows that many women face gaps in understanding their surgical options, potential risks, and long-term considerations. The following findings highlight why better patient education is needed.
33%
Not Completely Informed
Of women who underwent mastectomy alone, 33% did not feel completely informed about their surgical options before surgery.
Source: Journal of the American College of Surgeons | 2018
14.3%
Correctly Identified Risks
Only 14.3% of patients correctly identified the risk range for a major complication within two years of breast reconstruction.
Source: Annals of Surgery | 2016
43.3%
High-Quality Decisions
Only 43.3% of participants met the criteria for a high-quality breast reconstruction decision, based on sufficient knowledge and alignment with personal preferences.
Source: JAMA Surgery | 2017
Every Patient Deserves Clear Information and Support
A breast cancer diagnosis can bring difficult, life-changing decisions in a short period of time. Patients deserve clear, balanced information to help them:
Understand All Surgical Options
Learn about available options, including mound breast reconstruction and flat closure options.
Know the Risks and Considerations
Understand potential risks, benefits, and long-term considerations before making decisions.
Feel Prepared to Ask Questions
Know what to discuss with their healthcare team and feel more confident during consultations.
Make Personal, Informed Decisions
Choose options that reflect their individual needs, values, and preferences.
Understand Recovery and What Comes Next
Learn about recovery expectations, long-term wellness, and life after treatment.
Feel Supported Throughout Their Journey
Have access to helpful guidance, resources, and support beyond diagnosis and initial treatment.
Patient Education Designed for Healthcare Organizations
Your Surgical Options, Explained is designed to complement clinical care by giving patients a resource they can review, revisit, and discuss with their healthcare team.
Created by Erica Deligne, breast cancer survivor and patient advocate, in collaboration with Dr. Benjamin L. Moosavi, double board-certified general and plastic reconstructive surgeon.
Together, they bring the patient and clinical perspectives to an educational resource that helps women better understand their surgical options and make informed decisions.
The guide addresses topics including:
→ Understanding surgical options
→ Mound breast reconstruction options
→ Flat closure reconstruction options
→ Recovery and survivorship
→ Support questions to ask your healthcare team
→ Patient planning tools and decision-making worksheets
→ Support organizations and patient communities
Available for organizational licensing and customization.
How I Help Healthcare Organizations
Patient Education Advisory Program
I review patient-facing educational materials through the lens of lived experience, helping organizations identify gaps, improve clarity, and better support informed decision-making.
Services may include:
• Patient education resource reviews
• Survivorship education assessments
• Flat closure representation reviews
• Informed-choice resource evaluations
• Strategic recommendations and reporting
Breast Cancer Patient Advisory Panels
Patient feedback is one of the most valuable tools for improving the patient experience.
I help healthcare organizations gather meaningful insights directly from breast cancer survivors through facilitated advisory panels and structured discussions.
Organizations receive:
• Participant recruitment
• Moderated conversations
• Insight summaries
• Actionable recommendations
Survivorship Education Workshops
Educational programs designed to support patients beyond treatment while addressing topics that are often underrepresented in traditional patient education.
Available in-person, virtually, or as webinars.
Topics include:
• Life After Treatment
• Understanding Surgical Options
• Navigating Flat Closure
• Body Image After Breast Cancer
• Confidence After Mastectomy.
How I Help Healthcare Organizations
Patient Education Advisory Program
I review patient-facing educational materials through the lens of lived experience, helping organizations identify gaps, improve clarity, and better support informed decision-making.
Services may include:
• Patient education resource reviews
• Survivorship education assessments
• Flat closure representation reviews
• Informed-choice resource evaluations
• Strategic recommendations and reporting
Breast Cancer Patient Advisory Panels
Patient feedback is one of the most valuable tools for improving the patient experience.
I help healthcare organizations gather meaningful insights directly from breast cancer survivors through facilitated advisory panels and structured discussions.
Organizations receive:
• Participant recruitment
• Moderated conversations
• Insight summaries
• Actionable recommendations
Survivorship Education Workshops
Educational programs designed to support patients beyond treatment while addressing topics that are often underrepresented in traditional patient education.
Available in-person, virtually, or as webinars.
Topics include:
• Life After Treatment
• Understanding Surgical Options
• Navigating Flat Closure
• Body Image After Breast Cancer
• Confidence After Mastectomy.
The Patient Perspective Is Often Missing
Healthcare organizations provide patients with critical information about diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and reconstruction. Yet many women still leave appointments feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or unaware of all of their options.
Patient education can help bridge that gap by providing resources patients can review, revisit, and use to prepare for meaningful conversations with their healthcare team.
DD Advocacy helps healthcare organizations strengthen patient education and informed decision-making through patient-centered resources shaped by lived experience.
The Patient Perspective Is Often Missing
Healthcare organizations provide patients with critical information about diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and reconstruction. Yet many women still leave appointments feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or unaware of all of their options.
Patient education can help bridge that gap by providing resources patients can review, revisit, and use to prepare for meaningful conversations with their healthcare team.
DD Advocacy helps healthcare organizations strengthen patient education and informed decision-making through patient-centered resources shaped by lived experience.
Meet Erica Deligne
Founder of DD Advocacy | Patient Education & Survivorship Advisor | TEDx Speaker
Erica Deligne is a breast cancer survivor, TEDx speaker, and patient advocate with more than 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, and brand development.
Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2021 and her decision to undergo a double mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure, Erica transformed her personal experience into a mission to improve patient education and informed decision-making.
Through her advocacy, she has connected with hundreds of women around the world, gaining valuable insight into the challenges patients face throughout diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
As the founder of DD Advocacy, Erica combines her lived experience, global patient perspectives, and professional expertise to help healthcare organizations bridge the gap between clinical care and the patient experience.
Her mission is to ensure every woman feels informed, heard, and empowered throughout her breast cancer journey.
Meet Erica Deligne
Founder of DD Advocacy | Patient Education & Survivorship Advisor | TEDx Speaker
Erica Deligne is a breast cancer survivor, TEDx speaker, and patient advocate with more than 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, and brand development.
Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2021 and her decision to undergo a double mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure, Erica transformed her personal experience into a mission to improve patient education and informed decision-making.
Through her advocacy, she has connected with hundreds of women around the world, gaining valuable insight into the challenges patients face throughout diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
As the founder of DD Advocacy, Erica combines her lived experience, global patient perspectives, and professional expertise to help healthcare organizations bridge the gap between clinical care and the patient experience.
Her mission is to ensure every woman feels informed, heard, and empowered throughout her breast cancer journey.
Meet Erica Deligne
Founder of DD Advocacy | Patient Education & Survivorship Advisor | TEDx Speaker
Erica Deligne is a breast cancer survivor, TEDx speaker, and patient advocate with more than 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, and brand development.
Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2021 and her decision to undergo a double mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure, Erica transformed her personal experience into a mission to improve patient education and informed decision-making.
Through her advocacy, she has connected with hundreds of women around the world, gaining valuable insight into the challenges patients face throughout diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
As the founder of DD Advocacy, Erica combines her lived experience, global patient perspectives, and professional expertise to help healthcare organizations bridge the gap between clinical care and the patient experience.
Her mission is to ensure every woman feels informed, heard, and empowered throughout her breast cancer journey.
Speaking and Advocacy
Erica Deligne regularly speaks on topics including informed choice after breast cancer, flat closure awareness, body image after mastectomy, survivorship, and patient-centered education.
Her work has been featured by NY1, WSAZ, Femest Magazine London, and Bella Magazine New York, as well as through podcasts, media interviews, advocacy initiatives, and her TEDx talk exploring beauty, identity, and informed decision-making after breast cancer.
Speaking and Advocacy
Erica Deligne regularly speaks on topics including informed choice after breast cancer, flat closure awareness, body image after mastectomy, survivorship, and patient-centered education.
Her work has been featured by NY1, WSAZ, Femest Magazine London, and Bella Magazine New York, as well as through podcasts, media interviews, advocacy initiatives, and her TEDx talk exploring beauty, identity, and informed decision-making after breast cancer.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPEAKING →
Speaking and Advocacy
Erica Deligne regularly speaks on topics including informed choice after breast cancer, flat closure awareness, body image after mastectomy, survivorship, and patient-centered education.
Her work has been featured by NY1, WSAZ, Femest Magazine London, and Bella Magazine New York, as well as through podcasts, media interviews, advocacy initiatives, and her TEDx talk exploring beauty, identity, and informed decision-making after breast cancer.
Let's Strengthen the Patient Experience
Whether an organization is evaluating patient education materials, exploring patient insights, or expanding survivorship support, DD Advocacy welcomes the opportunity to learn more about its goals and explore how Erica can help.
Let's Strengthen the Patient Experience
Whether an organization is evaluating patient education materials, exploring patient insights, or expanding survivorship support, DD Advocacy welcomes the opportunity to learn more about its goals and explore how Erica can help.
Let's Strengthen the Patient Experience
Whether an organization is evaluating patient education materials, exploring patient insights, or expanding survivorship support, DD Advocacy welcomes the opportunity to learn more about its goals and explore how Erica can help.