Metastatic breast cancer claimed the life of our namesake — Susan G.
Komen — who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977 and died three years
later. In Suzy’s time, people crossed the street to avoid her, unsure of what
to say and even afraid they would “catch” her cancer. Breast cancer wasn’t
discussed in public, even in the 1980s. There were few breast cancer centers,
little in the way of treatment options, and a stigma and shame surrounding
breast cancer that kept many women feeling isolated and alone with their
disease.
Unfortunately, many living with metastatic breast cancer feel that
same isolation today. They deal with family and friends who don’t quite know
what to say and even those who suggest that maybe aren’t “fighting hard enough.”
Along with that there are often significant psychological burdens, physical
effects, and financial pressures. What’s more is the fear that the latest
treatment will stop working.
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Over 75 people were in attendance at the 2nd Annual
Metastatic Breast Cancer Symposium. |
We can and must do
better for the tens of thousands of women and men living with metastatic breast
cancer in the U.S., and for those who will be diagnosed with in the future. Komen has set out to build new and lasting
relationships with those patients who feel they have been forgotten.
Susan G. Komen has invested nearly 1 billion dollars in
research to study and combat this disease. This is more money than any other
breast cancer organization. The only entity that has invested more money than
that is the federal government. However,
when it comes to metastatic breast cancer research, NO ONE invests more
than we do…not even the federal government.
A lot of the advances in this disease are due in part to research that
Susan G. Komen has funded. And that
vitally important research continues today, locally.
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(From left to right): Kathy Miller, Adrian Lee and Shirley Mertz
at the 2nd Annual Metastatic Breast Cancer Symposium. |
In order to better educate our community on metastatic
breast cancer, we teamed up with GE Healthcare to host the 2nd
Annual Metastatic Breast Cancer Symposium, offering basic science, clinical,
and survivorship information related to metastatic breast cancer. The symposium
featured Komen Scholars, Kathy Miller and Adrian Lee, and Komen advocate,
Shirley Mertz, President of The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network. The triad shared
their latest findings, tips, and stories.
Over 75 people were in
attendance for the event. Some who are currently enduring the effects of
metastatic breast cancer, as well as nurses and other healthcare professionals
who actively care for these patients. Attendees
told us about the way the symposium benefited them. One said that it left her with,
“…hope that research will continue to increase for MBC.” Another thanked Komen
for making this event a reality and said the symposium was, “Clear and concise…the
best I’ve heard. I learned a lot!”
Through education,
research, and advocacy, we are able to empower others, ensure quality care for
all, and work to find the cures. Our fight continues.
