The Masonic Cancer Center, Susan G. Komen Minnesota & Living Beyond Breast Cancer are sponsoring a Midwest Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Sheraton Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota.

The conference is designed for people with metastatic breast cancer, nurses, health professionals and caregivers of those with metastatic breast cancer.  

The conference begins at 8 AM with registration & breakfast.  Dr. Doug Yee, Director of the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Center is the Keynote Speaker.  The morning also includes several breakout sessions, followed by lunch, an expert panel & afternoon speaker.  The conference will wrap-up with a reception from 3 PM to 4:30.  The Resource Center will be open at both the beginning and end of the conference.

The cost is $25/person but scholarships are available.  

To register & find out more about the conference, please go to 

http://www.komenminnesota.org     or call 952-746-1760  

Registration closes October 4, 2017

The second annual "Breast Music in Town" fundraiser will be held at Harriet Brewing Company on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 3 PM to close.  All proceeds from the event will go to the University of Minnesota Breast Cancer Research Fund.

The event includes live performances by nearly a dozen Minnesota performers including Paper Parlor, which recently placed 4th in the national Hard Rock Cafe "Hard Rock Rising" contest to jazz from Purple Funk Metropolis to Enharmonic's Indie R&B.

The event, hosted by The Confused Brothers Band, costs $5 - $20 at the door.

If you can't attend on October 22, but would like to make a donation to the U of MN Breast Cancer Research Fund, please go to 

http://www.youcaring.com/BreastMusicInTown

Fire Lake Grill House in Minneapolis is hosting a special "Eat Pink Drink Pink" dinner on Thursday, October 13.  The special four course dinner is a fixed price of $45 & the wonderful folks at Fire Lake will donate $5 per guest to the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition!

Executive Chef Jim Kyndberg has planned a special menu with a rose wine (sparkling or still) with each of the four courses.  

Fire Lake Grill House is located at 31 South 7th Street in Minneapolis.

Treat yourself to a special dinner that also benefits the all-volunteer educational & advocacy work of the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition.

To see the full "Eat Pink Drink Pink" menu, please go to 

http://www.firelakerestaurant.com

The webinar will be moderated by Hope S. Rugo, MD, Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco.  Dr. Rugo is also director of breast oncology and director of clinical trial education at the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Webinar discussion topics include: short term side effects caused by breast cancer treatment such as mouth sores, hair loss, neutropenia, neuropathy and fatigue; medicines and other methods to help manage these side effects; and how to talk to your medical team to get the most relief, whether you are newly diagnosed or in treatment with metastatic breast cancer.

To register for the webinar, please go to

http://www.lbbc.org/programs-events

The 15th annual Breast Cancer Education Association Conference will be held at the Mall of America's Parkview Event Center on Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 8 AM to 1 PM.

This year's conference will highlight the role that nutrition and dietary factors may play in cancer development.  Gregory Plotnikoff, MD will begin the conference with a talk focused on how to support and maintain a healthy immune system to prevent and manage disease.

Following Dr. Plotnikoff's presentation, Brenda Langton, renowned chef and owner of Spoonriver Restaurant, will offer practical advice on easy food preparation using creative, healthy recipes.

The conference will end with a presentation by Tuffia Haddad, MD, an oncologist from Mayo Clinic Oncology.  Dr. Haddad will update attendees on the latest treatments for breast cancer.  

The Resource Center will include information from community organizations and from businesses related to breast cancer.

To learn more about the conference and to register online, please go to

http://www.BreastCancerEducation.org

Conference highlights include dedicated sessions on specific types of breast cancer including sessions on triple-negative; hormone receptor-positive & HER-2 positive; and metastatic breast cancer.  There will also be sessions focused on the latest research and treatment options.

Attendees can also attend breakout sessions on Survivorship: Living Your Best Life; breast reconstruction; genetic testing; caregiving; financial matters; & managing emotions.

Travel grants and fee waivers are available to help offset conference expenses for those who qualify.  Eligibility criteria & application instructions can be found online at lbbc.org/2016conference

Early bird registration ends Friday, August 5.

To find out more about the conference please go to lbbc.org/2016conference

Twin Cities Social will honor the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition at a business/social networking event on July 28th at Cov in Wayzata.

Twin Cities Social (TCS) is a unique organization that combines opportunities for networking at fun venues & events with support for selected charities.  Recent charities honored by TCS include The Guild Foundation, The Sanneh Foundation, the American Heart Association & Wounded Warriors - Time on the Water.  The Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition is thrilled to be the honored nonprofit for July.

The Get Your Pink On event is from 6-10 PM at Cov on Lake Street in Wayzata.  To learn more about TCS & the Get Your Pink On, please see their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TwinCitiesSocial4U/

Thank you Twin Cities Social for honoring & supporting our all-volunteer education & advocacy work throughout Minnesota!

Please join us to party & network at Cov in Wayzata on Thursday, July 28th from 6-10 PM!

The innovative Metastatic Breast Cancer Project has enrolled over 2200 since its launch in October 2015.  Enrollees are from all 50 states & Canada.

The MBC Project is funded by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard & is led by Nikhil Wagle,MD, assistant professor of medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  Dr. Wagle, other researchers, and advocates are utilizing social media to reach patients across the United States & throughout the world.  The MBC Project seeks to "connect metastatic breast cancer patients around the world with scientists using cutting-edge technology to study cancer's genetic and molecular causes."

The MBC Project makes it easy for patients to share their DNA, tissue samples and clinical information directly with researchers.  Of course, the information is de-identified.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and would like to learn more about the MBC Project, please go to https://www.mbcproject.org

The website explains the project itself, what you need to do to proceed & the focus of the proposed research.  There is also a section of Frequently Asked Questions.

On Friday, July 15, 2016 the THREE time World Champion Minnesota Lynx will host a "Pink Out" to celebrate  the Susan G. Komen Foundation and breast cancer survivors.  A portion of each ticket purchased will support the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The July 15th Breast Health Awareness game against the New York Liberty begins at 7 PM.

To purchase tickets, please go to www.lynxbasketball.com/groupoffers    Use promo code SGK

If you have questions, please contact Hayley Di Naso at 612-673-8446 or email Hayley at hayley.dinaso@lynxbasketball.com

The National Breast Cancer Coalition's annual Advocate Leadership Summit will be held in Washington, DC from April 30 - May 3, 2016 at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel.

The Summit begins on Saturday, April 30 with a review of NBCC's 25 years of mission-focused advocacy and NBCC's plans to achieve the goals of Breast Cancer Deadline 2020.  This will be followed by a panel discussion on The Power of Social Movements.

Sunday's sessions include an insider briefing on the Artemis Project & a plenary session focused on what is known about preventing metastasis.  The day continues with advanced seminars on the immune system, data privacy, precision medicine & a primer on vaccine development.  Following the seminars, attendees & Summit presenters will join in informal dialogues in small groups.  

Because breast cancer is a political issue, Monday begins with a plenary on Mobilizing the 2016 Political Climate.  Various skill building workshops follow this plenary.  Another advocate/speaker meet up precedes the special luncheon where founders of the National Breast Cancer Coalition will present Lessons from the Beginning.

The annual reception & dance end Monday's activities and energize attendees for Tuesday's annual Lobby Day on Capitol Hill.

To learn more about the Leadership Summit and to register, please go to 

www.BreastCancerDeadline2020.org  

The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) will present its 2016 Midwest Symposium in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the Millennium Hotel.  

The Symposium begins with a light breakfast at 9:15 AM and the day is focused on YSC Talks Sessions and YSC Works Sessions.  An evening celebration caps off the day from 7 - 9 PM.

The Talks Sessions will include presentations on practical matters; relationships and intimacy; help for co-survivors/caregivers; resilience and living one's best life.  

The Works Sessions focus on practical help for understanding and achieving what was presented in the Talks Sessions.  For example, the Works Session on resilience includes how to "Make Your Inner Voice Resilient" and "One Step at a Time, Live Your Best Life."

To learn more about the Symposium and to register, please go to 

http://symposium.youngsurvival.org/Lineup

To learn more about the Young Survival Coalition, including its myriad of print and online resources, please go to 

www.youngsurvival.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer's (LBBC) Thriving Together: 2016 Conference on Metastatic Breast Cancer will be held from April 8-10, 2016 in Philadelphia, PA.

LBBC's 10th annual metastatic breast cancer conference is focused on the latest medical and quality of life information.  The conference also provides amply opportunity to connect with other attendees.  Since many caregivers also attend, the conference will provide areas "to share information and resources and ask questions about the complex medical, emotional, social and practical challenges that accompany a metastatic diagnosis."

To learn more about the conference, including the agenda, speakers, & exhibitors and to register, please go to 

http://www.lbbc.org/thriving-together-2016-conference-metastatic-breast-cancer

Gilda's Club Twin Cities offers a comprehensive variety of resources & classes about all cancers, not just ovarian cancer.  

Their evidence-based programs are professionally led and given in a home-like environment at the clubhouse in Minnetonka, Minnesota.  Their programs are "...facilitated by licensed mental health professionals who understand the day-to-day emotional stress of facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, and navigating the multitude of cancer-related challenges."

All of Gilda's Club programs are FREE! 

Gilda's Club is open 6 days per week & its programs are offered 4 days per week during both day & evening hours.  They offer groups on Living with Cancer; Art Therapy, Family and Friends; Living with Loss; Expressive Arts for Kids & Teens and many others.

To learn more about Gilda's Club, their programs, classes & resources, please go to

http://www.GildasClubTwinCities.org      or call 612-227-2147

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN) and Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) recently released their Metastatic Breast Cancer Guide for the Newly Diagnosed.  

The guide is available on each organization's website.  Individual print copies are FREE and can be ordered on the websites.

The Guide for the Newly Diagnosed, which is part of the trusted Metastatic Breast Cancer Series, includes sections of Understanding Your Diagnosis, Understanding Treatment Options, & Maintaining Your Everyday Well-Being, as well as links to many valuable, trusted Resources.  

To access the Guide online or to order a printed copy, please go to

http://lbbc.org/guides

Or go to

http://mbcn.org 

As the tens of thousands of women and men with metastatic breast cancer know all too well, they are "aware" of metastatic breast cancer EVERY DAY.  

They deal with the treatments, side effects, tests, scans, depression and anxiety EVERY DAY.  The pink tsunami in October is often very emotionally painful for those with breast cancer mets.  For them, breast cancer is NOT pretty and pink.  Their breast cancer is now in their bones, brain, liver, lungs, or another area of their body.  Their breast cancer is NOT curable.  While it is often treatable, the average person with breast cancer mets lives fewer than 3 years after the metastatic diagnosis.  

For far too long, metastatic breast cancer was ignored by the general public.  Part of the reason for that was the incredible, unwarranted focus on "awareness."  After 35 years of "awareness" messages, people are aware of breast cancer.  

We need to move beyond awareness to ACTION!  

Part of that action is actually saying the words metastatic breast cancer.  Yes, despite what the "awareness" messages say, 20% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will develop a metastasis.  More research must be focused on metastatic breast cancer.

Please join with the National Breast Cancer Coalition on its Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 work.  That work focuses on finding a way to end primary breast cancer & finding a way to prevent metastasis.  

To read NBCC's strategic plan and progress to date, please go to

http://breastcancerdeadline2020.org

The terrific folks at family-owned Deneen Pottery recently issued a limited edition breast cancer mug.  They have generously designated all proceeds to the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition!

In addition, they also donated 20 mugs with the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition logo.  The MNBCC mugs will sell for $20.00 at the upcoming Breast Cancer Education Conference on October 10 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  ALL of the money from the MNBCC mugs will go to MNBCC!

Big thanks to everyone at Deneen Pottery for their generosity.  I was honored to tour their factory in July and met Niles Deneen as well as many of his hardworking, dedicated employees.   

To see both mugs, please go to

http://deneenpottery.com/product/pinkmug/ 

All of the mugs at Deneen Pottery are top quality and they are an excellent company to work with.  If you or someone you know needs mugs, I strongly urge you to go to their website to learn more.  This is a family owned company & you can see from their website that they care about their customers and making sure that the products are exactly what the customer wants.  Their quality and customer service are second to none.

Thank you so much, Niles, and everyone at Deneen Pottery!

http://deneenpottery.com

Cancer and Careers will hold a "Balancing Work & Cancer" workshop on Friday, September 25, 2015 from 6:30-8 PM at the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge in Rochester, MN.

This FREE workshop will focus on the practical and legal complexities of balancing cancer treatment and recovery with employment.  The workshop is designed for patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals and employers.  The information is helpful for people with any form of cancer.

Topics that will be covered include: disclosure of illness; working during treatment; job search;  the Americans with Disabilities Act & Reasonable Accommodations; and the Family & Medical Leave Act and taking time off.

To learn more about the workshop & to register, please go to

http://cancerandcareers.org/en/community/events/balancing-work-and-cancer

Cancer and Careers has information for people affected by any form of cancer.  They also have helpful, free publications that you can order directly from their website OR download pdfs of the information.  Many of the publications are also available in Spanish.  To learn more, please go to

http://cancerandcareers.org 

The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) recently published its fifth annual report on the Artemis Project.  The Artemis Project is NBCC's focused work to develop a vaccine that can prevent breast cancer.  Each year NBCC publishes a detailed update on progress made in the past year towards the development of a preventive breast cancer vaccine. 

 To read the most recent report, please go to

http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/assets/pdfs/2015-artemis-preventive.pdf

To learn more about NBCC's Breast Cancer Deadline 2020, please go to

http://breastcancerdeadline2020.org

Breast cancer survivor and Project LEAD grad, Lisa DeFerrari has an interesting, thoughtful blog about breast cancer research.  Her most recent post has a very understandable overview of current work to develop a breast cancer vaccine.  She also asks an important question - "Does cancer screening equal prevention?"

To read her recent post, please go to

http://after20yrs.com/2015/09/02/breast-cancer-prevention-vaccine/

Or to learn more about Lisa's work and to read her past posts, please go to

http://after20yrs.com

It's time to PARTY!

The African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) invites you to join them in celebrating their silver anniversary.  The 25th anniversary gala will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 5 PM to midnight at the Minneapolis Marriott West Hotel in St. Louis Park, MN.

"Shining Stars Celebrating Life in Style" will be a night of shining celebration and inspiration recognizing cancer fighters and survivors at an elegant dinner affair.  Survivors will be joined by co-survivors, family, friends, caregivers, medical providers and supporters.  The evening includes a dinner program, awards ceremony, style show, entertainment, exhibitors and much more.

AABCA invites you to join them in celebrating their 25 years of providing community education, peer support and resources for African Americans diagnosed with breast cancer and other cancers.  This special fundraising event is open to anyone diagnosed with and affected by cancer, the people who care for and love them and those involved in the fight against cancer.

To learn more about the African American Breast Cancer Alliance and to register for the 25th anniversary gala, please go to

http://www.aabcainc.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer will present a webinar on Monday, September 14, 2015 from noon to 1 PM Eastern Time (11 AM to noon Central Time) on "Advances in Neoadjuvant Treatment for Early-Stage Breast Cancer."

Neoadjuvant treatment is treatment given as a first step to shrink a tumor before surgery.  During the webinar, Lisa A. Carey, MD will discuss 1. the goals of neoadjuvant treatment; 2. the latest advances in chemotherapy, targeted therapy and hormonal therapies used as neoadjuvant treatments; 3. who should consider neoadjuvant treatment; and 4. what to expect if you decide to have this kind of therapy.

Dr. Carey is an expert in triple-negative breast cancer and led the first clinical trial looking at a new treatment regimen in this breast cancer subtype.  She is the Richardson and Marilyn Jacobs Preyer Distinguished Professor in Breast Cancer Research at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.  Dr. Carey is also physician-in-chief at UNC North Carolina Cancer Hospital and associate director of clinical research at UNC's Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

You may register for the webinar online by September 7 by going to

http://www.lbbc.org/Events/2015-09-14-Advances-in-Neoadjuvant-Treatment?tr=y&auid=15863479

Or you may register by phone by calling 1-855-807-6386  

To learn more about Living Beyond Breast Cancer, go to

http://www.lbbc.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer will present its fall conference "Breast Cancer Today: Individual Treatments, Shared Experiences" in Denver, CO from September 18 - 20, 2015.

This Wellness Weekend will help those diagnosed with breast cancer & their caregivers understand the type of breast cancer they have and learn ways to take care of themselves.  The information will be tailored via three tracks: 1. triple-negative breast cancer; 2.  hormone receptor-positive or HER2-positive breast cancer; and 3.  metastatic breast cancer.  Attendees can select a specific morning plenary geared to their track and then follow the tracked workshops throughout the day OR mix and match to fit their needs and interests.

There will also be workshops that focus on young women, those coping with inflammatory breast cancer, and caregivers.  

To learn more about the plenary sessions, workshops, and the entire conference, please go to 

http://www.lbbc.org/fallconference       

Or call the Living Beyond Breast Cancer office toll-free at 855-807-6386

Online registration is now open for the 14th annual Breast Cancer Education Association's Conference.  The conference is on Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 8 AM - 3 PM at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The keynote speaker, Otis Brawley, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer for the American Cancer Society.  Dr. Brawley's talk will focus on road blocks that challenge cancer patients from getting the best health care available.  

Dr. Brawley's presentation will be followed by a panel discussion among 3 Minnesota oncologists about the latest news in breast cancer treatment.  After the two general sessions, attendees will attend one of six breakout seminars.

Following the educational sessions, breast cancer survivors will model fashions in the Sense of Style show while attendees enjoy a delicious lunch.  The always popular Resource Center will be open before and after the Sense of Style show.  

To read the conference brochure and to register online, please go to 

http://www.breastcancereducation.org

The highly respected Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has a series of informative videos about cancer survivorship on its website.  Each video is from 6-10 minutes long.  The videos focus on topics that interest all cancer survivors, such as "Fatigue after Cancer Treatment," "Cognitive Changes after Cancer Treatment," and "Fear of Cancer Recurrence."  One video focuses on specifically on breast cancer - "Post-Treatment Concerns for Breast Cancer Survivors."

There are currently 20 videos including ones on exercise, nutrition, spirituality, & integrative medicine.  In each video, the former director of the adult cancer survivorship program speaks with experts from the fields of oncology, psychology, nutrition, and other fields about many of the typical issues cancer survivors face such as long-term health concerns and sexual intimacy after cancer treatments.

To see the list of videos & a brief description of each one and to watch the videos, please go to

http://www.dana-farber.org/For-Adult-Cancer-Survivors/Experts-Speak-on-Survivorship-Topics.aspx

Living Beyond Breast Cancer will host a free webinar focused on "Metastatic Breast Cancer: Understanding and Finding Clinical Trials" on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 from noon - 1 PM ET (11 AM - noon CT).

During the webinar, Adam Brufsky, MD, PhD will talk about clinical trials that are recruiting participants & will also explain common myths about clinical trials.  Dr. Brufsky will provide strategies & tips for finding open trials for people with metastatic disease & will explore factors you may want to consider when deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial.

Dr. Brufsky is professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and is the associate director of clinical investigation for the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.  

To register, please call toll free - 1-855-807-6386.  To register online, please go to

http://www.lbbc.org/Events/2015-07-14-MBC-Clinical-Trials?tr=y&auid=15776914

To access valuable resources at Living Beyond Breast Cancer, go to

http://www.lbbc.org  

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) has a wealth of information on its website for those diagnosed with cancer and for their caregivers.  

After a cancer diagnosis, patients and their caregivers face many visits with various health professionals.  Effective communication with health professionals is important when dealing with any disease diagnosis.  NCCS has valuable tips on communicating with your doctor and other health professionals.  Included are separate sections on "Understanding How to Talk with Your Doctor," "Asking Questions," and "Remembering What the Doctor Says."

To read these tips and other trusted information from the NCCS, please go to

http://www.canceradvocacy.org/resources/communicating-with-your-doctor/

The NCCS website is at http://www.canceradvocacy.org

The American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) has easy-to-read summaries of its treatment guidelines for various cancers.  

The ASCO Care and Treatment Recommendations for Patients are understandable summaries based on ASCO Clinical Practice Guidelines that offer a patient-oriented view of the guidelines.  

The recommendations provide background information, a discussion of the recommendations, explanations of what the recommendations mean for patients, and a list of questions patients can ask their doctors.  

All ASCO guidelines are available as text or in PDF format.  Some ASCO Care and Treatment Recommendations for Patients have been translated into Spanish and are available on Cancer.Net's en Espanol section.

To see the ASCO guidelines, please go to:

http://www.cancer.net/research-and-advocacy/asco-care-and-treatment-recommendations-patients

The College of American Pathologists has an understandable, trusted website to help patients understand their pathology reports.  The website is easy to use - just click on the type of cancer to find specific information about a particular cancer.

The website also has general information on "How to Read a Pathology Report" and a helpful Glossary of Terms.

To learn more about pathology reports in general and to read reliable information about a breast pathology report, please go to 

http://www.mybiopsy.org

Yesterday, June 6, a very generous organization - Do Some Good - held a Breast Day of Summer fundraiser to benefit the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition and to honor a very special woman & breast cancer survivor, Lisa Dralle.  The event was at B-52 Burgers & Brew in Inver Grove Heights, MN.  

I was personally blown away by the tremendous support shown by the many people who came to the fundraiser & enjoyed delicious food while bidding on dozens of quality silent auction items & putting their lucky raffle tickets in for their favorite item.  

Thank you seems so inadequate to tell Nicholas and Melissa Goers, their extended family and many friends how much everyone connected with the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition appreciates their support of our organization.

Each year, Do Some Good selects an organization to support at that year's fundraising event.  This year, the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition was honored to be chosen.  Nick & Melissa work countless hours throughout the year to gather the silent auction items & to organize all aspects of the event.

Thank you so much, Nick, Melissa, your family, your friends, the donors, the folks at B-52 Burgers & Brew, & everyone who contributed to the success of the Breast Day of Summer!  We appreciate your belief in the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition.  We promise to be responsible stewards of the funds you worked so hard to raise.  

Big hugs to everyone, especially Nick & Melissa.  

To learn more about Do Some Good and all of the organizations they have supported, please go to

http://www.dsgchallenge.org

On Saturday, June 13, 2015 Living Beyond Breast Cancer will host an innovative program for women under 45 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Breast Cancer 360: Mapping the Future for Young Women with Breast Cancer will be available via live web stream and in-person in Philadelphia, PA.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45 have unique needs.  At this free Breast Cancer 360, young women with breast cancer can connect with each other and with medical professionals.

Panel discussions will focus on the state of breast cancer research, information and support for young women and practical tools to help young women communicate their needs to others.

Panelists include Cori E. McMahon, PsyD, Director of Behavioral Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, in Camden, NJ; Kanu P. Sharan, MD, an oncologist; and Amy Wu, a young breast cancer survivor and advocate.

The program is FREE but participants are asked to register by June 5.  Please register at 

www.lbbc.org/events or call Living Beyond Breast Cancer at 855-807-6386

Thanks to a generous grant from Susan G. Komen Minnesota, Pathways will again be offering its Renewing Life and Whole Hearted Living retreats for breast cancer survivors.

Eligibility requirements for these free, 3-day retreats include:

Must be a breast cancer survivor, at any stage

Must have a household income of $40,000 or lower.  Income guidelines may be flexible with regard to medical debt.

Must be at least 18 years of age

Must be able to provide transportation to & from the retreat center location

Each retreat begins at 9 AM on Friday & ends at 4 PM on Sunday.  Retreat dates are:

Renewing Life - June 26-28, 2015, Wayzata, MN                       Application deadline is June 8, 2015

Whole Hearted Living - August 21-23, 2015, St. Joseph, MN    Application deadline is August 3, 2015

Renewing Life - September 18-20, 2015, Baudette, MN            Application deadline is August 31, 2015

Renewing Life - February 19-21, 2016, Farmington, MN            Application deadline is February 1, 2016

How to Apply

To learn more about these free retreats and to access an application, please go to

www.pathwaysminneapolis.org/renewinglife3day  

For additional information, please contact Pathways' Program Manager, Carol Burling at carol@pathwaysmpls.org or call 612-822-9061

On April 17, 2015, from noon to 1 PM ET (11 AM to noon CT) Living Beyond Breast Cancer will present Part I of its FREE webinar series on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.  

Part I will focus on "Reducing Risk of Recurrence Through Healthy Lifestyle Choices."  

The presenter is Julie R. Gralow, MD.  She will focus on research-based lifestyle changes and healthy living strategies to help lower risk of recurrence; survivorship care plans and how they can help you navigate care after treatment ends; and how healthy living can have a positive impact on your emotional well-being and outlook.

Dr. Gralow is director of breast medical oncology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and a professor in the oncology division at the University of Washington School of Medicine.  She is the principal investigator on many local and national clinical trials related to breast cancer treatment, prevention and survivorship.

To register for this FREE webinar, please go to

http://www.lbbc.org/Events/2015-04-17-TNBC-Healthy-Lifestyle?tr=y&auid=15333483

To explore the wealth of information at the Living Beyond Breast Cancer website, go to

http://www.lbbc.org

Part II of this series will be on April 29, 2015.  It will focus on A Medical Update by Tiffany A. Traina, MD.

Dr. Susan Love's Army of Women reminds women of a study that is open to pregnant women who are planning to breastfeed.  Researchers need women who live ANYWHERE in the United States who have NOT been diagnosed with breast cancer.  The women will be asked to provide breast milk samples for a research study that explores any possible relationship among pregnancy, breastfeeding, and breast cancer risk.  

The purpose of the study is to analyze biomarkers found in breast milk from women who are breastfeeding.  

If you sign up for the study "Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Nursing Mothers," the research team will contact you to confirm that you are eligible.  If you are eligible & decide to participate in the study, you will be asked to provide breast milk samples 3 times during the study.

To learn more about the study, which is being conducted by Edward Sauter, MD, PhD, M.H.A., University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Texas, please go to

http://mailing.armyofwomen.org/form/armyofwomen/viewhtml/9z1z6k7fdhrrt85k2bt7fmtqus85aio4aajpqeufafg

To learn more about the Army of Women & other open research studies, please go to

http://armyofwomen.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer will present a FREE webinar about Fear of Recurrence.  The webinar will be on Thursday, January 29, 2015 from noon to 1 PM ET (11-12 Central Time) & it will be available on the LBBC website archives for those who can't attend during the live presentation.

Anyone who has received a diagnosis of cancer fears that the cancer will return.  This fear is often most prominent in the months and years after treatment for the cancer ends.  

The presenter, Allison Nilsen, LCSW, is an oncology social worker and the program director of Cancer/Care's Women's Cancers Program.  Ms Nilsen focuses on empowering people coping with breast cancer.  Her webinar will help viewers to better understand their fear of recurrence; learn about practical tools for managing their fears; and recognize when fears are turning into something larger so they can seek more support.

To register for this free webinar, please go to

http://www/lbbc.org/Events/2015-1-29-Fear-of-Recurrence

Survey results presented at the December 2014 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium showed the need for improved communication between patients with metastatic breast cancer and their oncologists.

Musa Mayer, breast cancer survivor and advocate with AdvancedBC.org, presented the results of the survey of 359 patients, 234 caregivers and 252 oncologists.  Most patients (83%) and caregivers (76%) said they were very or extremely involved in making treatment decisions but there are knowledge gaps that may undermine informed decision-making.

There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer yet "28% of patients and 32% of caregivers indicated that their oncologists had told them or their loved ones that one goal of treatment for metastatic breast cancer was to provide a possible cure."  Also, "27% of oncologists indicated that, in certain situations, they do not discuss with patients the fact that metastatic breast cancer is incurable."

To learn more about these survey results, please go to

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287556.php

To access a wealth of quality, trusted information about metastatic breast cancer, please go to

http://www.AdvancedBC.org

Registration is now open for the 23rd annual Twin Cities Race for the Cure which will be held on Mother's Day, May 10, 2015.  By registering now, you can take advantage of the low, early-bird rates.  This year's Race will return to its original home - Southdale Center - and will feature a 5K trek around beautiful Lake Cornelia in Edina.  

Seventy-five percent of the proceeds stay right here in Minnesota and are used to fund education, diagnosis, and treatment for Minnesota women and men.  The remaining 25% of the proceeds goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure which funds national research and education.

Registration is easy and can be done online in just a few minutes.  To register for the Komen Twin Cities Race for the Cure walk, run, wheelchair race or the Kids' race, go to  

http://www.komenminnesota.org

While you're on the Komen website, you can read more details about fundraising for the Race and forming Race teams.  In addition, you can access information about all of the valuable work Komen Twin Cities Race for the Cure has funded over the years.

Please join me and thousands of others on Mother's Day, May 10, 2015 at Southdale Center in Edina, MN as we Race for the Cure!

Registration is now open for the 2015 Breast Party in Town.  The event will be held on Thursday evening, February 19, 2015 at the State Theater in Minneapolis.  

The Breast Party in Town is the Breast Cancer Education Association's (BCEA) main fundraiser and proceeds from the event support BCEA's annual October conference.

The event will be held in the State Theater's historic gilded foyer and will include music, food provided by the Capitol Grille and complimentary Surly beer and wine provided by Johnson Brothers.

Individual tickets are $100.  To register for this fun event, go to

http://www.breastcancereducation.org

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance has published a comprehensive report about the current state of metastatic breast cancer research, clinical trials, quality of life, patient education resources, and support services in the United States.  

Key findings of Changing the Landscape for People Living with Breast Cancer include:

Research: More funds need to be directed to metastatic breast cancer (MBC) research.  Since 2000 only 7% of the $15-billion invested in breast cancer research has been focused on research into metastatic breast cancer.  Most of that research was on understanding the key processes of metastasis.

Clinical Trials: The report identified 169 clinical trials testing 'targeted' therapies for MBC.  Work must continue to reduce barriers to participation in clinical trials.

Quality of Life: While there is much information about the quality of life of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, there is not enough focus on the unique emotional, physical and psychosocial needs of women with MBC.  

Patient Education & Support Services: Several organizations focus on MBC but these organizations need to revise their information so it is more easily understood & more consistent with current guidelines and best practices.  As with primary breast cancer and much of healthcare in general, there is a real need to provide quality information and relevant support services to underserved communities which are often in urban areas.

To access the full report and the summary, please go to 

http://mbcalliance.org

After a breast cancer diagnosis, most women want to know what they can do to prevent a recurrence of their breast cancer.  In addition, millions of women also want to know how they can lower their risk of getting breast cancer.  

One lifestyle change will help both groups of women - those diagnosed with breast cancer and those who want to reduce their risk of getting breast cancer.

In Part Three of Dr. Susan Love's "View from San Antonio," Dr. Love focuses on results from the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS).  The WINS study was a randomized study that began in 1987 & looked at whether reducing dietary fat would reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women who had been treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy for invasive breast cancer.  While the study ended in 2004, researchers have continued to follow the women who participated in the study.  

As Dr. Love explains, the study found that women in the low-fat diet group who had hormone receptor negative (ER- and/or PR- negative) or had triple-negative (Er-, PR-, and HER2- negative) tumors increased survival by about two years.  Other studies have shown that maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking and consuming little alcohol also reduce women's risk of getting breast cancer.  

In Part Three, Dr. Love also focuses on DCIS and the Oncotype DX test and on the tumor as organism.  To read this informative and very understandable piece, go to

http://blog.dslrf.org/?p=2244

Dr. Susan Love continues her "View from San Antonio" with a wonderfully written, very clear explanation of how immunotherapy works and the latest news in using immunotherapy to treat breast cancer.

Please take time to read Part Two and then see our link below to Part One.  

http://blog.dslrf.org/?p=2235

The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held from December 9-13, 2014, generated much media coverage.  Over 7,500 researchers, clinicians & advocates from more than 90 countries attended this annual symposium.  Amid the hype of press releases touting the results of studies, blogs by medical experts and advocates, and media reports that often failed to critically examine results presented in conference abstracts and posters, those who seek out accurate information can always trust reports from Dr. Susan Love, researcher, surgeon, and author.  

Part One of Dr. Love's "View from San Antonio" focuses on information about tumor subtypes & what we've learned about treating tumor subtypes & on the key role played by tamoxifen in preventing breast cancer.

One of the true joys of reading anything written by Dr. Love is the clarity of her writing and the "patient-friendly" explanations she uses to make often difficult scientific material understandable for the average reader.  Many of you know Dr. Love as the author of The Breast Book but I urge everyone who wants to learn more about breast cancer and about breast cancer research to browse through Dr. Love's website.  You'll learn a lot, especially by reading through the Archive section of her blog posts.

To read Part One of Dr. Love's "View from San Antonio," please go to

http://blog.dslrf.org/?p=2232

To access the website itself, go to http://dslrf.org

Susan G. Komen for the Cure operates a free Breast Cancer Helpline.  All calls are answered by a trained staff. The helpline provides free, professional support services to anyone with breast cancer questions or concerns.  Breast cancer survivors and their family members are urged to call or email the helpline.  

Helpline Hours:  Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Eastern Time  (8 AM-9 PM Central Time)

Call 1-877-465-6636  (1-877 GO KOMEN)

Or email - helpline@komen.org

To learn more about the helpline and the other resources available from Komen, please go to:

http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/1877GOKOMEN.html

Living Beyond Breast Cancer will present a FREE webinar on Friday, December 19, 2014 detailing the highlights of the 2014 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.  The webinar will be held from noon - 1 PM, Eastern Time. 

Robert A. Somer, MD, associate director of the breast cancer program at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, in Voorhees, New Jersey, will present the update.  Dr. Somer will give an overview of new research presented at the Symposium, which is the largest annual breast cancer conference in the world.

In addition to an update, Dr. Somer will help attendees understand how the newly reported research may benefit them.  Dr. Somer will also answer questions about the research.

To register for the webinar, call 855-807-6386 or go online to:

http://www.lbbc.org/Events/2014-12-19-San-Antonio-Update

A recent study led by Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, Chairman of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, found that three weeks of radiation treatment after a lumpectomy are as effective as five to seven weeks of radiation.  The patient receives the same amount of radiation but in a shorter time period.

The American Society of Radiation Oncology endorsed the shorter course of radiation in 2011.  Other countries have successfully used the shorter course for years yet American radiation oncologists have been slow to recommend the shorter treatment time for their patients.  Dr. Emanuel observed "I think patients and breast cancer advocates need to take a stand on this.  It's better for patients, and docs need to put their patients first."

To learn more about the shorter course of radiation therapy and the study, go to:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/12/10/369639080/doctors-slo...l&utm_content=20141211&utm_campaign=dailydigest&utm_term=nprnews

Breast Cancer Action is hosting a FREE webinar on the sexualization of breast cancer titled "Please, Stop Staring At My Breasts!"  

Breast cancer campaigns such as "Save the Ta-Ta's," "I Heart Boobies" or "Save Second Base" are ubiquitous.  As Breast Cancer Action (BCA) notes "'Sexy' breast cancer campaigns focus on preserving women's breasts instead of saving the lives of actual women.  They objectify women, making breast cancer awareness all about one (highly sexualized) body part instead of women's complex and diverse experiences with breast cancer."

BCA invites you to "join us on our next webinar to understand how these campaigns impact women and hear the real stories of women on the subject of cancer, sex and intimacy."

Guest speakers are Lori Baralt, Assistant Professor, Department of Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies at California State University, Long Beach and AnneMarie Ciccarella, BCAction member, patient advocate and blogger at CHEMOBRAIN…In the Fog."

The webinar is offered on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET and on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 3 PM PT/6 PM ET.  The webinar will be archived if neither of those times works for you.

To learn more & register, go to 

http://bcaction.org/2014/11/18/free-webinar-please-stop-staring-at-my-breasts-the-sexualization-of-breast-cancer

To learn more about Breast Cancer Action & its educational resources & past webinars, go to

http:bcaction.org

Are you tired of seeing pink & pink products everywhere?   Have you thought about actually buying a pink product "to support breast cancer awareness"?

If so, read this terrific piece from The Onion, the premier satirical paper.  Then do something truly meaningful to support ending breast cancer.  Join me in supporting the National Breast Cancer Coalition & its Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 work to find a way to prevent primary breast cancer & a way to prevent metastasis.

For a good read & a good laugh, go to

http://www.theonion.com/sponsored/cancer-researchers-develop-highly-promising-new-pi%2c146/

To learn more about ending breast cancer, go to

http://breastcancerdeadline2020.org   

On October 11, 2014, Trek bicycle retailers in the United States will host the 9th annual Trek Breast Cancer Awareness ride.  All proceeds go directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

OneTen Cycles in Mendota Heights, MN is a host site for the Trek ride in Minnesota.  OneTen Cycles is a terrific bike shop that I've trusted for years.  

To register for a 5 mile, 10 mile, or 25 mile casual, fun ride, please go to www.onetencycles.com  All rides start at OneTen Cycles & then go through beautiful Mendota Heights.  

To learn more about The Breast Cancer Research Foundation & the research it funds, go to www.bcrfcure.org

The Minnesota Cancer Alliance's 2014 Cancer Summit is Thursday, November 6, 2014 at the Hilton Minneapolis, in Bloomington, MN.  

The MN Cancer Alliance is a coalition of over 100 organizations who are committed to reducing the burden of cancer for all people in Minnesota.  The MN Breast Cancer Coalition is a member.

The 2014 Summit "Cancer Care: It's a Partnership" runs from 8 AM - 5 PM.  The full day meeting includes a mid-day awards luncheon & a closing evening reception.  

To view the complete program go to 

http://www.intrinxec.com/cancersummit/agenda-program or contact Sean Schuette at 952-564-3077

To learn more about the MN Cancer Alliance, its 2011-2016 Cancer Plan for Minnesota, & its current projects, go to http://mncanceralliance.org

The African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) will hold its 24th annual "Celebrating Life in Style" event on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel in St. Louis Park, MN.

This wonderful, fun event includes a reception, dinner program, "Survivors Strut," entertainment, a fashion show & an after party.  It's four non-stop hours of "Celebrating Life in Style."

People with any type of cancer are encouraged to attend.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about AABCA's education and support programs and its work to help African American patients have better survival outcomes.  

Ticket prices range from $20 - $35.  Go to http://aabca24.bpt.me/  to register & to learn more about the event.

If you or your organization would like to participate as an advertiser, exhibitor or donor, please call 612-462-6813 or email aabca@aabcainc.org  for an application or more information.  Exhibitor tables are $60, which includes one dinner.

To learn more about AABCA, go to their website at www.aabcainc.org

Johns Hopkins is presenting a FREE webinar on September 17, 2014 on "Tools for Survivorship: Thriving After Breast Cancer Treatment."

The webinar will be from 7-8 PM Eastern Time, which is 6-7 PM Central Time.  Pre-registration is required.  To register, please go to

http://bit.ly/JHCancerSurvivorshipWebinars

During the webinar, doctors from Johns Hopkins will address follow-up care for breast cancer survivors; recommended screening & surveillance tests; survivorship care planning; tips for staying healthy; & what your primary care provider needs to know about your breast cancer survivorship.

Johns Hopkins is respected worldwide for its treatment of breast cancer and its quality research on all aspects of breast cancer.

Registration is now open for the Breast Cancer Education Association's annual conference.  This year's conference will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.

The conference begins with a light breakfast & an informative plenary session.  Then participants have the opportunity to choose from twelve 75-minute seminars that focus on prevention, treatment and survivorship.  There is time to attend two seminars.  

The seminars are followed by lunch and an always fantastic Sense of Style Show which features breast cancer survivors modeling fashions by Chico's and Len Druskin. 

The Resource Center will be open before lunch and after the Sense of Style Show.  The Resource Center has information about breast health products, services, and organizations.

The conference runs from 8 AM - 3:30 PM.  Full day registration is only $30 for breast cancer survivors and $45 for all others.  Those who want to attend only the lunch and afternoon events may register for $30.  Scholarships are available and CEUs are offered for healthcare professionals and teachers.

To learn more about the conference and to register, please go to:

https://breastcancereducation.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=23

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network will hold its 8th annual "Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer" conference from September 19-21, 2014 at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, NC.

The conference will focus on information on the latest treatments for metastatic breast cancer, coping strategies for dealing with the diagnosis & treatment, and future therapies and research.  Of course there will also be lots of time to network & share with others diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

For information about registration, scholarships, & hotel transportation, please go to:

http://mbcn.org     and click on the link to the conference.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) recently published its updated Guide to Understanding Financial Concerns.  This guide is part of an excellent series of guides from LBBC.  All of the guides are accessible online.  They can also be ordered for free if people would like a hard copy of the guide & don't want to print it out.

The Guide to Understanding Financial Concerns includes sections on "Finding Help for Medical Costs;" "Navigating Your Health Insurance;" "Ways to Obtain Insurance If You Don't Have Coverage;" & "Understanding Job Change or Loss."

One of the most helpful sections is the one on "Resources."  This includes valuable information on prescription assistance, legal services, & workplace rights.

LBBC's other guides include: "Genetics and Family Risk Assessment;" "Treatment Decisions;" & "Your Emotions."  All of the guides are fully accessible online or hard copies are available to be ordered for free.

To access the Guide to Understanding Financial Concerns online, please go to

http://www.lbbc.org/Understanding-Breast-Cancer/Guides-to-Understanding-Breast-Cancer/Guide-to-Understanding-Financial-Concerns

Living Beyond Breast Cancer's website is http://www.lbbc.org

On June 20, 2014 the Minneapolis StarTribune published an excellent editorial detailing concerns with the recently passed breast density notification law in Minnesota.  

As the editorial notes, "The legislation was pushed by a small but vocal national advocacy group, but, tellingly, not (by) leading medical organizations."  At first blush, the law may seem to be a good idea but there are many problems including the cost of additional, often unnecessary, screening with ultrasound and/or MRI.  Responsible doctors have been talking with their patients about breast density for many years.  They didn't need ill-conceived legislation to initiate those talks with their patients.

While breast density is an increased risk factor for diagnosis of breast cancer, breast density does NOT increase deaths from breast cancer.  Breast density is also largely not modifiable.  There are important ways that a woman CAN lower her risk for breast cancer - reduce alcohol consumption, maintain a normal weight and exercise regularly.  Multiple quality studies detail the importance of those three behaviors in reducing breast cancer risk.

To read the editorial titled "A New and Dubious Breast Cancer Law," please go to

www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/263902381.html

For balanced information about breast density, go to http://www.breastdensity.info  That website was developed by breast radiologists and breast cancer risk specialists in California to assist patients, clinicians and radiologists in understanding breast density laws.

Dr. Anne Blaes, a researcher at the University of Minnesota, recently began a study to quantify the effects of aromatase inhibitor use on the vascular endothelium in breast cancer survivors.  The researchers hypothesize that inhibition of estrogen by aromatase inhibitors will impair vascular relaxation and result in impaired endothelial function.  

This hypothesis will be tested in a prospective, observational, controlled study of breast cancer survivors.  Data collection will occur at baseline and 6 months after initiation of treatment with aromatase inhibitors.  Measures will be compared with the same measures for healthy postmenopausal women and women with triple negative breast cancer who do not take aromatase inhibitors.  

The researchers need 25 women for each group.  All of the women in the study will undergo a half-day of noninvasive testing to evaluate vascular health on two separate occasions six months apart.

To learn more about this study, go to

www.armyofwomen.org/current/view?grant_id=748

To learn about other active studies, go to www.armyofwomen.org

The Firefly Sisterhood is a recently formed nonprofit organization that fosters one-to-one connections between breast cancer survivors and those newly diagnosed with breast cancer.  These personal connections between someone who has been through surgery and treatment for breast cancer with someone who is newly diagnosed help to make the breast cancer journey less daunting.  

The Firefly Sisterhood matches Guide Sisters, women who have experienced diagnosis and treatment and are willing to offer their support to another person, with a newly diagnosed person.  The goal is to connect women with similar life circumstances.  For example, if a newly diagnosed woman lives in Minneapolis and has young children, the goal is to match her with a Guide Sister who lives in Minneapolis and has young children.

When a match is created, both women will be given each other's contact details so they can connect via phone, text, or email.  Once matched, Firefly Sisters are free to explore their relationship at their own discretion.  The relationship may result in one reassuring phone call or it could become an ongoing, enduring friendship.

Guide Sisters are required to go through a short orientation before being matched.  During the orientation, trainers experienced in emotional mentorship help the Guide Sisters to learn about empathic listening and insightful questioning.  It is very important that the Guide Sisters understand, and are prepared for, the realities of helping another through breast cancer.

To learn more about The Firefly Sisterhood, please go to

http://www.fireflysisterhood.org 

or email info@fireflysisterhood.org or call 952-582-2972, extension 2972 

The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) just relaunched its Online Center for Advocacy Training.  

NBCC knows that advocates need and want to understand science, to learn about breast cancer research, to prepare to change the system & to influence public policy.  First launched in 2012, the Online Center for NBCC Advocacy Training brings education and training to the public.  The Center has been relaunched with a new look & new information, including presentations and discussions from the 2014 Advocate Leadership Summit.

This user friendly Center features a description of each course & specific information about what visitors can expect to learn.  The courses are categorized by topic area and course level from beginners to advanced students.  To continue to provide best-in-class instruction, advocates are provided an opportunity to evaluate the information taught in each course.  

Funding for this updated Online Center was provided by a generous grant from the WellPoint Foundation.

To learn more & to see all of the courses, please go to 

http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/get-involved/training/online-center-for-advocacy-training

Many people diagnosed with breast cancer decide to have chemotherapy.  Undergoing chemotherapy is often one of the most difficult aspects of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.  

Hester Hill Schnipper, chief of oncology social work at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a breast cancer survivor, urges cancer patients to plan ahead for their chemotherapy treatments.  Schnipper's tips for "Preparing for Chemotherapy" were published in Cancer Today, the quarterly publication of the American Association of Cancer Researchers (AACR).

To read these helpful tips, please go to

http://www.cancertodaymag.org/Winter2013/Pages/Preparing-for-Chemotherapy.aspx

The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation recently announced a breast cancer prevention study for females who were diagnosed with any form of cancer as a child, an adolescent, or a young adult and received chest or axilla radiation by age 40.

The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of two years of low-dose tamoxifen on breast density and other biological markers (biomarkers) that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in females who were diagnosed with any form of cancer as a child, adolescent or young adult and received chest or axilla radiation by age 40.

There are currently two study sites in Minnesota - the Mayo Clinic in Rochester & the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.  Additional study sites are in California, Michigan, Tennessee, Illinois, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington and Toronto, Canada.  If you know women who live in those states or in Toronto who may be interested in the study, please forward the link to them.

To learn more about requirements to participate in this study, go to

http://www.armyofwomen.org/current/view?grant_id=583

To learn more about additional studies and the Army of Women, go to

http://www.armyofwomen.org

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN) has a comprehensive list of financial assistance resources for cancer patients.  The list includes a brief description of each resource, a link to the resources's website & a phone contact number if one is available.  

In addition to information about financial assistance, the Resources section of the MBCN website has a wealth of useful information in areas from finding clinical trials, to legal resources, to locations of housing for medical & treatment appointments for those who need to travel a distance for treatment.  

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network's Resources are at

mbcn.org/support-resources/category/resources

MBCN's website is at mbcn.org

The 2014 Susan G. Komen Twin Cities Race for the Cure will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.

This Race will be the 22nd Race for the Cure in the Twin Cities.  As in past years, the Race encompasses much more than a 5K run or walk.  The always popular Shop for the Cure kiosk opens on April 21 in the Mall of America (MOA) Rotunda on the first floor, east side.

The CRAVE Celebration Dinner is on a NEW day - Friday from 6 - 8 PM at the MOA Executive Center, Level 4, east side.

The Kids for the Cure Fun Run will be at 11 AM at the Lindau Lot at MOA.

As always, the Health Expo will be held in conjunction with the Race on Sunday morning from 7 AM - 10 AM.

To register for the 5K run or walk, the 1K walk, the wheelchair race, or the Kids Fun Run, go to

www.komenminnesota.org or call 952-746-1760 for more details.

As always, 75% of the money raised stays right here in Minnesota.  The remaining 25% of the money raised goes to the national Komen for the Cure to fund breast cancer research & education.

Professor Mathieu Boniol reported at the European Breast Cancer Conference on March 20, 2014 that a recent meta-analysis of 37 studies published between 1987 and 2013 showed that being physically active for more than an hour per day reduces the risk of contracting breast cancer. 

Dr. Boniol, Research Director at the International Prevention Research Institute, Lyon, France, noted that these findings apply to women of any age or weight living in any geographic location.

Please note that the study showed that physical activity reduces a woman's risk of getting breast cancer.  The research did not show that physical activity will definitely prevent breast cancer.

To read more about this meta-analysis, go to the April issue of Artemis - the online magazine of The Breast Center at Johns Hopkins University.

http://www.hopkinsbreastcenter.org/artemis/201404/14.html 

The Army of Women needs women who live ANYWHERE in the United States or Canada who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at age 40 or younger to participate in an exciting study.

The purpose of the study is to learn what genetic factors may play a role in the development of breast cancer in young women.

The researchers need to recruit 5,000 women who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer when they were 40 years old or younger.  Women are eligible regardless of how old they are now

To learn more about what the study involves, who is conducting the study, & who can participate in the study, please go to 

http://www.armyofwomen.org/current/view?grant_id=356

To learn more about Dr. Susan Love's Army of Women & to see information about other active studies, go to

http://www.armyofwomen.org   

Living Beyond Breast Cancer will present two FREE webinars on triple-negative breast cancer.

The first webinar will be held on Thursday April 17, 2014 from 11 AM - noon Central Time

During this first webinar, Rita Nanda, MD will help you:

 - understand today's standard of care treatments for triple-negative breast cancer  (TNBC)

 - learn the latest clinical trial findings on TNBC

 - gain a better understanding of new research directions for TNBC treatment

To register go to www.lbbc.org/Events or call 855-807-6386

The second webinar will be held on Thursday April 24, 2014 from 11 AM - noon Central Time

During this webinar, Julie Larson, LCSW will help you:

 - look more closely at what triggers fear of recurrence

 - learn tools to feel more in control, but also allow you to focus on the parts of your life that are of most value to you

 - gain strategies for moving forward in meaningful & health ways

To register for the second webinar, go to www.lbbc.org/Events or call 855-807-6386

Pathways Health Crisis Resource Center will hold four Renewing Life retreats for women who are breast cancer survivors.  The retreats are made possible thanks to funding from the Susan G. Komen Minnesota affiliate. 

Each 3-day retreat is FREE to any woman who is a breast cancer survivor (at any stage) and whose household income is $40,000 or below.  Income guidelines may be flexible because medical debt is considered. 

Retreat dates, locations, and application deadlines are:

June 6-8, 2014 at Mount Olivet Retreat Center, Farmington, MN - Application deadline - May 23, 2014

August 22-24, 2014 at College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN - Application deadline - July 30, 2014

November 14-16, 2014 at Superior Shores, Two Harbors, MN - Application deadline - October 14, 2014

January 23-25, 2015 - The Retreat in Wayzata, MN - Application deadline - December 30, 2014

To learn more about the key concepts of Renewing Life retreats and to download an application for either a 3-day retreat or for facilitator training, please go to

www.pathwaysminneapolis.org/renewinglife3day              or call 612-822-9061

To learn more about the Susan G. Komen Minnesota affiliate, go to www.komenminnesota.org 

National Public Radio (NPR) had very interesting & useful information about dealing with the "metal mouth" that is sometimes a side effect of chemotherapy.

While the piece itself has valuable tips, some of the comments also have advice for dealing with the loss of appetite that is also sometimes a side effect of chemotherapy.

To listen to the piece or to read a transcript, go to: 

www.npr.org/2014/04/07/295800503/chemo-can-make-food-taste-like-metal-heres-help

The comments begin at the end of the transcript.

Minnesota is one of 200 clinical sites that are part of BioMarin's EMBRACA Trial for BMN 673, a PARP inhibitor.  

BMN 673 is being tested as a potential first best in class PARP inhibitor for metastatic breast cancer patients who have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of BMN 673 in the metastatic setting.  The trial plans to enroll 469 patients through 200 clinical sites in 20 countries.  

This intervention offers the hope of improving the length and quality of life for patients already diagnosed with advanced or metastatic breast cancer.  

For a description of the trial, a complete list of eligibility criteria, and a site list, go to:

The BioMarin website also has key facts about the study:

The trial site coordinator in Minnesota is Dr. Michaela Tsai of Minnesota Oncology & Hematology.  Dr. Tsai can be reached at 612-884-6300. 

In 2010, the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) set a deadline to know how to end breast cancer and launched a plan to achieve it.

Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 is a call to action for all stakeholders - policymakers, researchers, breast cancer advocates and others - to concentrate their efforts on knowing how to prevent primary breast cancer & knowing how to prevent breast cancer metastasis by 2020.  Deadline 2020 is intended to shift the focus toward what will truly benefit women, to encourage new approaches, and to look at breast cancer differently.  

The Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act, S. 865 and H.R. 1830, is a vital component of Breast Cancer Deadline 2020.  The legislation focuses on identifying strategies for primary prevention of breast cancer and on understanding and preventing metastasis, the spread of cancer.  Breast cancer metastasis is the cause of 90% of breast cancer deaths.

Both of Minnesota's senators, Senator Klobuchar and Senator Franken, are co-sponsors of the Senate bill, S. 865.

Seven of Minnesota's Representatives are co-sponsors of the House bill, H.R. 1830.  Representatives Timothy Walz, Erik Paulsen, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, Michele Bachmann, Collin Peterson, and Rick Nolan are co-sponsors of the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer legislation.

Over the past decades, billions of dollars have been spent on breast cancer research yet we still do not know how to prevent primary breast cancer or how to prevent metastasis.  The costs in dollars, and more importantly, in women's lives, continue to add up.  The National Cancer Institute estimates that breast cancer care in the United States cost $16.5 billion in 2010.  If the status quo continues, NCI estimates that this care will cost $20.5 billion by 2020.  In the United States in 1991, 119 women died of breast cancer every day.  This year, that number is estimated to be 110 deaths EVERY DAY from breast cancer.  

Join with the National Breast Cancer Coalition in finding a way to prevent primary breast cancer and finding a way to prevent metastasis.  

Thank you to both Minnesota Senators and to the 7 Minnesota Representatives for co-sponsoring meaningful legislation that will help to change the conversation around breast cancer and help to focus on ending the disease.

For more information about Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 and the legislation, go to 

http://breastcancerdeadline2020.org

To read the legislation, go to http://thomas.gov and put the number of the bill in the search box.

Neoadjuvant therapy is given to shrink a tumor before surgery or before any other primary treatment for early-stage breast cancer.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) will host a free webinar on neoadjuvant therapy on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 from 11 AM to noon CT.  

The webinar will explain the types of treatment available before surgery: chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy.  It will help attendees to understand the goals of neoadjuvant therapy and how the cancer's response affects local and full-body treatments given after neoadjuvant therapy.

The webinar will be presented by Carey K. Anders, MD, a clinician-scientist and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

To register online for the webinar, go to www.lbbc.org/Events by March 19 or call 855-807-6386.

To learn more about the webinar, go to http://www.lbbc.org/Events/2014-03-25-Neoadjuvant-Therapies

Susan G. Komen For The Cure's Twin Cities Affiliate recently funded an innovative project that seeks to increase use of mammography by Korean American women living in Minnesota.  The mMammogram Project Lab grant funded development of a Smartphone App that can be used to remind women to schedule their screening mammogram.

Participants in the study will be randomly assigned to either the Smartphone App group or to a group that only receives a brochure to remind them of their screening mammogram.  Participants will be compensated for their research participation.

The study is open to:

Korean American women over age 40 who live in Minnesota who have NOT had a mammogram within the past two years.  The women must know how to use a cellphone & have an email account.  The program will rent women a cellphone for the duration of the study if the woman does not already have a cellphone.

To learn more about this study, please contact the Principal Investigator, Hee Yun Lee at 612-618-4854 or email Hee at leex4807@umn.edu  

Breast cancer mortality rates have been increasing among Korean American women in recent years.  Korean American women have the lowest breast cancer screening rates of US women of any racial/ethnic group.  The goal of this project is to increase screening mammography rates among Korean American women in Minnesota.

On Tuesday, February 11 & on Wednesday, February 19, Breast Cancer Action will host a free webinar on The Ecology of Breast Cancer.  The webinar is presented by Ted Schettler, MD, MPH.  Dr. Schettler is a leading voice in understanding how we interact with our environment and the impact those interactions have on our health.

Dr. Schettler's book,  The Ecology of Breast Cancer: The Promise of Prevention and the Hope for Healing, examines breast cancer through an eco-social framework, recognizing the ways that family, community, and societal experiences shape the health of individuals and populations.  

To register for either webinar, go to:

http://bcaction.org/2014/01/22/free-webinar-the-ecology-of-breast-cancer-with-ted-schettler-md-mph/

Breast Cancer Action's website has a wealth of information about breast cancer.  Archived webinars are also available at the website at http://bcaction.org

While all of Dr. Susan Love's blog posts are interesting, her most recent post focuses on an important issue in ending breast cancer - research collaboration.  As Dr. Love notes, "Scientists are rewarded when they get grants and write papers and not necessarily when they work with others.  Nonetheless, the only way for new ideas to get out there, get tested and get adopted is for them to be shared.  At the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, we focus on collaborating with others both to enhance the work and also to help it get out faster."

Dr. Love then highlights two recent papers that demonstrate the value of research collaboration and the quick dissemination of research results.

Please read Dr. Love's recent blog post at:  http://blog.dslrf.org/?p=1904

At the end of the post, you can click on a link to both papers.  You can also explore other blog posts arranged by category.

To learn more about the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, the Army of Women and the innovative Health of Women (HOW) study, go to:  http://www.dslrf.org  

The annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer (C4YW) is the only international conference dedicated to the critical issues of young women affected by breast cancer & those who care about them.

This year's conference begins on Friday, February 21, 2014 & ends on Sunday, February 23, 2014.  The conference will be held at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

C4YW is hosted by Living Beyond Breast Cancer & the Young Survival Coalition.  The conference focuses on women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45.  The conference provides the latest news & information on the treatment of breast cancer & quality of life issues.  There will be 3 General Sessions & nearly a dozen workshops.  

To learn more or to download a conference brochure, please go to:

http://www.lbbc.org/Events/C4YW-Conference-for-Young-Women/2014-02-21-C4YW

or go to http://www.c4yw.org/

The Breast Party in Town will be held at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Minneapolis on Friday, February 28, 2014. The doors open at 6 PM & the Silent Auction bidding also begins at 6 PM.

In addition to bidding on some fun auction items, you can dance to live music by Hitchville & enjoy delicious food catered by D'Amico's.  The Breast Party in Town is a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Awareness Association & all proceeds go to fund BCAA's Annual Education Conference.

To register, go to www.bcaamn.org or call 651-487-3578.  

Please join us in this terrific celebration!

Part Two of Living Beyond Breast Cancer's FREE webinar series Healthy Living After Breast Cancer will be presented on January 22, 2014.  This second part will focus on exercise and fitness after a breast cancer diagnosis. 

Jennifer Ligibel, MD, an oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Nancy Campbell, MS, an exercise consultant at Dana-Farber's Adult Survivorship Clinic, will help participants to

    - learn about the positive effects of exercise on one's health and well-being after breast cancer;

    - hear recommendations on how to safely begin a new fitness program;

    - explore the roles aerobic activity and strength training can play in reducing lingering treatment side effects and increasing overall energy. 

To register for the FREE webinar, go to

http://www.lbbc.org/Events/2014-01-22-Part-Two-Exercise-and-Fitnesss/

On January 16 & January 22, 2014, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) will present a two part webinar series focused on healthy living after breast cancer. 

Part One: Nutrition and Diet will be presented on January 16, 2014.  Lynda McIntyre, who has been an oncology nutrition specialist at Johns Hopkins since 1995, will help participants

     - learn about the important components of a healthy eating plan after a diagnosis of breast cancer; 

     - discover what types of foods to include or limit and the reasons why;

     - explore strategies to overcome barriers to eating healthy and how to sustain new habits. 

To register for this FREE webinar, go to

http://www.lbbc.org/Events/2014-01-16-Part-One-Nutrition-and-Diet

To learn more about Living Beyond Breast Cancer and to browse its variety of resources for both those newly diagnosed with breast cancer & those with metastatic disease, go to

www.lbbc.org

Circle of Hope is a wonderful organization located in Duluth, MN.  It provides financial help for breast cancer patients who live in northern MN and northern WI.

After a person's application for financial assistance has been approved, payments are made for expenses like rent/mortgage, utilities, food, gas, or bus passes.  The payments are made to the providers of the services, not to the patients.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Minnesota affiliate awarded Circle of Hope a large grant.  Additional funding comes from fundraisers, small grants, and designated donor money.

Those applying for assistance must complete a 7-page application and include a cover letter from a social workeer or financial assistance worker. 

To learn more about Circle of Hope & to see the financial assistance application, go to

http://www.circleofhopeduluth.org

In a recent blog post, Dr. Susan Love announced that the Collateral Damage Project's deadline to submit questions has been extended to the end of January 2014.  

The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, Young Survival Coalition, & Komen for the Cure announced a Collateral Damage Project in early October 2013.  The goal of the project is to ask breast cancer survivors about the collateral damage they experienced, or are experiencing, from their breast cancer treatments.

To add your question about collateral damage you've experienced, go to www.QuestiontheCure.org

All of the questions, concerns, & comments will be incorporated into a Health of Women Study questionnaire which will be released in Spring 2014.  After the data from the questionnaire has been collected & analyzed, the data will be shared with the public and presented to the medical profession with the goal of improving pretreatment education.

After you've voiced your concerns about collateral damage from breast cancer treatment, be part of the solution by participating in the Health of Women (HOW) Study.  To learn more about this ongoing study & to sign up, go to http://bit.ly/HgVkku

To read Dr. Susan Love's blog post about the Collateral Damage Project, go to

http://blog.dslrf.org/?p=1852

Breast Cancer Action (BCA) recently added a new fact sheet to its website.  "Disparities in Breast Cancer: Through the Breast Cancer Care Continuum" describes the landscape of breast cancer disparities from diagnosis through treatment, survival and mortality to understand how social injustices - political, economic, and racial inequities - lead to disparities in breast cancer incidence and outcomes.

To read the 5 page fact sheet, go to:

http://bcaction.org/2013/11/19/new-fact-sheet-disparities-in-breast-cancer-through-the-breast-cancer-care-continuum/

BCA has several other interesting & valuable fact sheets and webinars.  Please go to the BCA website to learn more.                www.bcaction.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer recently extended its Breast Cancer Helpline hours.  If you call the Helpline from 9 AM to 9 PM, Eastern Time (8 AM - 8 PM Central Time), you can speak directly with a trained person who can answer your questions about breast cancer.

The trained Helpline volunteers are available to offer peer emotional support and practical information in a confidential setting.

The toll free number is: 888-753-5222

Living Beyond Breast Cancer's website is www.lbbc.org

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network's website has helpful advice for cancer survivors trying to cope with holiday stress.  

Coping suggestions come from those living with metastatic breast cancer.  Also included are links to other suggested coping strategies from Cancer.net.org; CancerCare.org; the Massachusetts General Hospital; & MD Anderson Hospital.

These suggestions are useful for all cancer survivors.  To learn more, go to

www.mbcnbuzz.wordpress.com/2013/11/28/dealing-with-the-holidays-ideas-from-people-with-metastatic-breast-cancer/

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network's informative & very useful website is at

www.mbcn.org

Today leaders of Snap Fitness presented the MN Breast Cancer Coalition with a check for $10,000!

During the month of October, Snap Fitness pledged to donate $1 for every 30 day trial pass redeemed at a Snap Fitness club.  Everyone at the MN Breast Cancer Coalition is honored to be selected as the recipient of this very generous donation.  

This morning, at the Snap Fitness World Headquarters in Chanhassen, MN, CEO Peter Taunton presented us with a check for $10,000 to support our educational & advocacy work.  We're honored by this donation & by Snap Fitness's support of our work.

Thanks to everyone at Snap Fitness, especially Peter Taunton, Steele Smiley, & Patrick Strait.  

To learn more about Snap Fitness & to see a photo of today's check presentation, go to: www.snapfitness.com

www.snapfitness.com

In September 2010, the National Breast Cancer Coalition changed the conversation among breast cancer researchers, clinicians, & advocates by setting a Deadline & calling for a change in focus for breast cancer research.  Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 has a two-pronged approach.  1.  To find a way by January 1, 2020 to prevent primary breast cancer.  2.  To find a way to prevent breast cancer metastasis by January 1, 2020.

In 2010, NBCC issued a Baseline Report & promised to issue an annual Progress Report.  The third Progress report was recently released by NBCC.  The Report provides an update with the latest data on breast cancer incidence & mortality as well as news about treatment options; information on public policy, advocacy, and the media's coverage of breast cancer; a look at the current research priorities as demonstrated by research funding; and finally, an update on Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 activities.

To access the full report, as well as the Executive Summary, go to:

http://breastcancerdeadline2020.org/assets/pdfs/2013-progress-report.pdf   

The terrific folks at MN Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) are holding a 50/50 fundraiser at Cowboy Jack's restaurant in Bloomington from Friday evening, October 18 - Monday evening, October 21.  

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, MYAS is generously donating proceeds from the 50/50 fundraiser to the MN Breast Cancer Coalition!  This is the second time this year that MYAS has honored the MNBCC.  Over Mother's Day weekend in May, MYAS held a "Box Out Breast Cancer Tournament" which resulted in an incredibly generous donation of $5,000 to MNBCC!

50/50 tickets will be sold at Cowboy Jack's from 4-8 PM on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday evenings & during the Vikings/Giants game on Monday evening.  The winner will be drawn during the fourth quarter of the game.

Ticket prices are 3 for $5; 7 for $10; & 20 for $20.  The winner is guaranteed a minimum of $500.  Of course the more tickets sold, the more money the winner gets.  The second & third place winners will receive tickets to either a MN Wild or a MN Timberwolves game.  

The Bloomington Cowboy Jack's is at 2801 Southtown Dr, Bloomington, MN 55431.   www.theaftermidnightgroup.com

To learn more about MN Youth Athletic Services & the stellar work they do with Minnesota youth, go to www.myas.org   

I apologize for posting late about Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which was yesterday, October 13.  

Over 155,000 people in the United States are living with metastatic breast cancer.  Up to 30% of people who survived early breast cancer will have a metastasis of their breast cancer.

There is currently no cure for metastatic breast cancer.  There are treatments, which are often very harsh & lead to a poor quality of life.  

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network & Breast Cancer Mets are trusted sources for information & resources.  Go to:

www.mbcn.org                      and/or to              www.bcmets.org

Several breast cancer organizations recently joined together to form the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance.  To learn more, go to http://www.mbcalliance.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer will present two free webinars dealing with metastatic breast cancer.  

Metastatic Breast Cancer Part One: A Research Update will be given on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 from noon to 1 PM, Eastern Time (11 AM - noon, Central Time).  The webinar will focus on findings from the latest clinical trials; novel therapies now in the research pipeline; & the latest research on what may cause mets.

To learn more about this webinar & to register, go to

http://www.lbbc.org/Events/2013-10-16-Metastatic-Breast-Cancer-Research-Update

The second webinar, Metastatic Breast Cancer Part Two: Understanding Disability Rights will be given on October 23, 2013 from noon- 1 PM, Eastern Time.  Information about this webinar can be found at the above link & more information will be included in a later blog post.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer's website has valuable guides to living with breast cancer & information about upcoming events.  http://www.lbbc.org  

Three national breast cancer organizations are collaborating to document the short and long-term physical & emotional side effects of breast cancer treatments.  The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation (DSLRF), Susan G. Komen, and the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) have come together for this groundbreaking work.

As Dr. Love noted, "The price of being treated for breast cancer, though often effective at keeping the disease at bay and prolonging life, is physical and emotional as well as financial."

In July 2013, Dr. Love crowdsourced a question about collateral damage from breast cancer treatment to the members of Love's Army of Women.  The response was immediate & significant - 800 email responses in only 24 hours!  Now the three collaborating organizations are trying to reach all 3 million people in the United States who are living with breast cancer.  More data needs to be collected to provide the scientific community with the most robust cohort from which to derive and analyze the true cost of the cure.  

Jennifer Merschdorf, CEO of YSC, pointed out that "It is paramount that young women are well represented in this study since the collateral damage from breast cancer treatment more significantly impacts their personal & professional lives, including their ability to bear children."

The public call for questions will continue through October 2013.  The questions will be collated and will be used to form a questionnaire for the Health of Women (HOW) study.  

To submit your question about collateral damage from breast cancer treatment, go to 

www.questionthecure.org    

To learn more about the Health of Women study, go to

www.healthofwomenstudy.org

Finally, to learn more about the Army of Women or the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, go to

www.actwithlove.org 

The African-American Breast Cancer Alliance will hold a "Celebrating Life in Style" event at the Double Tree Hotel on Park Place in Minneapolis on October 19, 2013.  

This is AABCA's twenty-third annual Cancer Survivors' Celebration!  It begins at 4 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2013 & ends at 1 AM on Sunday, October 20, 2013.  Guests are welcome to attend all or part of the event.  The After Party is from 8 PM to 1 AM. 

This special event is for cancer survivors, their families, and friends.   

To learn more, go to AABCA's website at: http://www.aabcainc.org

The award winning documentary film, Signing On will be shown at the Riverview Theater on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 10 AM.

Signing On is a powerful film that tells the stories of deaf breast cancer survivors, their families, and their community.  The film was done with the support & advice of the Pink Deafies, the first support group for deaf women in the United States.  

The Riverview Theater is at 42nd Ave. s & 38th St. in Minneapolis.  Please come early or stay after the film to socialize at the Riverview Cafe, which is across the street from the theater.  General admission is $5.  Students & seniors over 65 are $3.

To learn more about the film & the Pink Deafies, go to 

http://www.deafchw.org/pinkdeafies.php

Breast Cancer Recovery has an upcoming retreat for women with metastatic breast cancer.  The retreat dates are September 23-26, 2013.  The retreat is at the Sundara Inn & Spa in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Each 4-day retreat is designed and led by breast cancer survivors for breast cancer survivors.  While on retreat, women may participate in a variety of activities, including group discussions, creative activities, & a variety of physical activities.  Nutritious meals are included and special dietary options can be accommodated.

Breast Cancer Recovery embraces all women with breast cancer including all faiths, ages, races and sexual orientations.  Because women living with breast cancer often face considerable medical expense during and after diagnosis, Breast Cancer Recovery places a strong emphasis on ensuring that all women can experience an Infinite Boundaries retreat.  The actual cost to attend a retreat is $1,500 per woman.  Due to very generous donors, all women receive a scholarship of $1,100.  Each participant is asked to pay a $400 registration fee with $150 of that being a non-refundable deposit.  There is additional financial assistance available if needed.  

To learn more about Breast Cancer Recovery and its Infinite Boundaries retreats, go to

http://www.bcrecovery.org

A regular Infinite Boundaries retreat, which is open to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will be held from October 10-13, 2013 at Birch Creek, in Door County, WI.

Another retreat for metastatic patients is scheduled for November 11-14, 2013 at the Sundara Inn & Spa, in Wisconsin Dells, WI.  

Recently the MN Department of Commerce released summary information on the plans & rates that will be offered through MNsure starting October 1, 2013.  MNsure is Minnesota's one-stop health insurance marketplace.  The rates listed do NOT include the tax subsidies, so actual plan rates for many individuals will be even lower than listed.

Five companies are offering 141 plans.  There will be at least 2 plan choices in every county.  

Minnesotans will be able to sign up for coverage beginning October 1, 2013 but to see a preview of the health care provider networks insurers will offer on MNsure, go to 

http://www.health.state.mn.us/mnsurenetworks/

Please note that the content at the link above is a preview.  You can enroll beginning October 1, 2013 & plan coverage begins on January 1, 2014.  Each network will be offered with an individual or small group plan.  An individual plan can be purchased by a consumer and can include family members.  A small group health plan is offered by an employer with fewer than 50 employees.

The Avon Foundation, the National Cancer Institute and the Center for Advancing Innovation have partnered to launch a "first of a kind" Business Plan and Start-Up Challenge for Breast Cancer inventions that have high commercial viability and are important to public health.

This Challenge will accelerate the commercialization of Federal agency and Avon Foundation grantee breast cancer inventions, spur economic growth, and provide universities a platform to further develop their entrepreneurship learning portfolio.

To learn more about the Challenge and the prizes to be awarded, go to 

http://buff.ly/14pRU3D  

The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) and BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc have announced a collaboration to develop BioMarin's PARP inhibitor for the treatment of hereditary breast cancer with BRCA mutations.  

NBCC will have input and representation in study design, implementation and execution.  In addition, NBCC's network of trained, committed advocates will support trial enrollment in the United States and around the world.

BioMarin is planning to initiate a Phase 3 trial for BMN 673 in deleterious gBRCA mutation metastatic breast cancer in the fall of 2013.  Fran Visco, NBCC President noted "This project offers the hope of improving the length and quality of life for patients already diagnosed.  We look forward to conducting a world-class study, in collaboration with the finest clinical investigators in the world to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BMN 673 in the metastatic setting."

To learn more about the National Breast Cancer Coalition and its Deadline 2020 work, go to

http://breastcancerdeadline2020.org  

Pathways is offering a facilitated Renewing Life Retreat for female breast cancer survivors from January 24-26, 2014 at The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota.

Any woman who is a breast cancer survivor (at any stage) and whose household income is $40,000 or below OR whose household income is above $40,000 but who may be experiencing hardship due to "carrying heavy medical debt," is eligible for this free retreat.  The only expense incurred by participants is the cost of traveling to and from the retreat location in Wayzata.  

Funding for the Renewing Life Retreat is provided through a grant from the Twin Cities Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  

To learn more about the key concepts of Renewing Life and to download a retreat application, go to:

http://www.pathwaysminneapolis.org/renewinglife3day/                 or call 612-822-9061

The 12th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Association Education Conference will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Conference check-in begins at 8:00 AM.  The opening plenary session features three outstanding panelists: Keith Knutson, PhD; Greg Plotnikoff, MD; & Carolyn Torkelson, MD.  The panel will focus on breast health, interventional nutrition & new technologies in breast cancer.

Following the plenary session, attendees may choose from various seminar topics offered at two seminar sessions.  After lunch, there is the always popular Sense of Style Show featuring fashions by Chicos.  During lunch & after the fashion show, attendees can browse through the Resource Center to find information on breast health products, organizations, & services.

To register & learn more about the conference, please go to www.bcaamn.org   

The Patient Advocate Foundation and Susan G. Komen are partnering to provide financial grants to breast cancer patients.  Eligible patients include those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are in active treatment for breast cancer.  The patient's earnings must be 250% or less of the federal poverty limits.  

Qualified patients may use the ONE time grant of $300 to cover expenses for lymphedema care and supplies; durable medical equipment; transportation costs associated with getting to and from treatment; prosthesis and wigs; or childcare and/or eldercare necessitated by treatment.

Patient Advocate Foundation's professional staff members are available to assist applicants and distribute funds through the toll-free financial assistance line at 855-824-7941.  Live financial counselors are available Monday-Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM Eastern time & from 8:30 AM to 4 PM Eastern time on Friday to assist patients through the grant process.

Darrin Miernicki, owner of the Darrin James Salon in St. Louis Park, will hold a Cut-a-Thon on October 19, 2013 to benefit the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition.

Jan Strassburg, owner of It's Still Me Wig Studio will also be at the Cut-a-Thon providing advice & guidance on wigs.

There will also be a silent auction & one or two food trucks.  To learn more about the Cut-a-Thon, please go to:

www.darrinjamessalon.com  & plan to join us on October 19 in St. Louis Park!

The Army of Women recently launched a study that seeks to find out why some women might be more susceptible to getting breast cancer before they are 40.

The study is led by a research team at the Washington University School of Medicine.  Women who live ANYWHERE in the United States or Canada who were diagnosed with INVASIVE breast cancer at age 40 or younger are eligible to participate.

The researchers need to recruit 5,000 women.  Women are eligible regardless of how old they are now, as long as they were diagnosed at 40 or younger.  There are no exclusions based on current treatment, previous or current diagnosis or prior genetic testing.

To learn more about the study, as well as what is involved in participation, go to:

http://mailing.armyofwomen.org/form/armyofwomen/viewhtml/9z1zf4uu8kqdu2b4ca2b91qbjt002iki4i4tjl6tbag

If you know women who may be eligible for the study, please send the link to them.

To learn more about the Army of Women, go to http://armyofwomen.org 

On June 25, 2013 Breast Cancer Action will present a free webinar: "The Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Gene Patents: What Does It Mean for You?"

The expert panel will explain what the recent Supreme Court decision means for research and for second opinions, especially for those being tested for BRCA 1/2 mutations.  The interactive conversation will explain the far-reaching impact of the decision for patients, research, treatment, and the future of gene patents for women living with or at risk of breast cancer.

To register for the webinar, which is at 1 PM Central time, go to:

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/535455742

To learn more about Breast Cancer Action, or to watch the archived webinar after June 25, go to www.bcaction.org

A case study published in Genome Medicine contrasts the public perception of the use of patents by Genentech & Myriad Genetics.  

The authors compare the development of Genentech's Herceptin, which is used to treat patients whose breast cancer over-expresses HER-2neu, and Myriad Genetics BRACAnalysis, which is used to test for mutations in the BRCA 1/2 genes. 

The US Supreme Court recently issued an opinion stating that human genes cannot be patented.  This paper includes interesting background on business strategies used by Myriad Genetics with its BRCAnalysis test.

Below is a link to the abstract & full pdf of the paper by A Lane Baldwin and Robert Cook-Deegan.

To access the pdf, first click on the link & then click on pdf under Viewing Options on the right side of the abstract.

http://genomemedicine.com/content/5/1/8

On June 13, 2013, the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision that human genes cannot be patented. 

In his opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas noted that "separating a gene from its surrounding genetic material is not an act of invention."

There was near universal approval for the decision among breast cancer survivors.  Many survivors hope there will soon be a new test that will compete with the current one developed by Myriad Genetics.  The test checks for mutations in the BRCA 1/2 genes.

Ira Flatow, host of National Public Radio's show, Science Friday, interviewed Dr. Mary Claire King.  Please take a few minutes to listen to this interview & learn more about the implications of the Supreme Court decision.

http://www.npr.org/2013/06/14/191614367/human-genes-not-patentable-supreme-court-says

The American Cancer Society is launching the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) in June, 2013 in local communities across the country. 

Men & women who are between 30 - 65 years old AND have never personally been diagnosed with cancer are invited to join this study.  The purpose of CPS-3 is to better understand the lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Enrollment in the study is free & will take place at various locations throughout Minnesota and across the country.

To learn more about the study & to find locations in the Twin Cities area that will enroll participants from June 11 - 27, 2013, go to http://www.cancermw.org/cps3/TwinCities/TwinCities.html

To learn more about the study & to find enrollment locations in Central Minnesota go to https://www.seeuthere.com/rsvp/invitation/invitation.asp?id=/m1c9c3bc-YS62Z80IGCBV

After Angelina Jolie's opinion piece in The New York Times, some women asked themselves if they too should be tested to see if they have a BRCA 1/2 genetic mutation.

The National Breast Cancer Coalition has recently updated its position paper "Genetic Testing of Healthy Women for Inherited Predisposition to Breast Cancer: Few Benefits, Many Limitations."

The paper provides clear, evidence-based information about the test for a BRCA 1/2 genetic mutation.  Citations are provided for all of the information.

I urge anyone who is considering having the BRCA 1/2 test to 1) read NBCC's position paper & 2) consult with a certified genetic counselor. 

To read the position paper, go to http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/assets/pdfs/genetic-testing.pdf

To learn more about the National Breast Cancer Coalition & its work to end breast cancer, go to

http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org  

The Army of Women needs ALL breast cancer survivors who live anywhere in the United States to participate in a study investigating the effects of hormone replacement therapy and other types of estrogen exposure on a marker of breast cancer risk. 

You do not have to have used hormone replacement therapy to participate. 

The research team will mail each participant a saliva collection kit that will include a special container and instructions about how to collect your saliva sample.  The participant then mails the saliva sample to the research team.

There is NO cost to participate.  All mail costs are covered by the study.

This study is led by Joanne Weidhaas, MD, PhD, a researcher at Yale University in New Haven, CT.

To learn more about this study, go to http://mailing.armyofwomen.org/form/armyofwomen/viewhtml/9z1zaf9f2971ss3n4vh9m0bofclbo17s913i70secko

To learn more about the Army of Women & other studies you may be eligible for, go to

http://www.armyofwomen.org

Dr. Susan Love's Army of Women has just opened a study for women aged 18-50 at high-risk of developing breast cancer. 

Researchers across the country will study whether high-dose vitamin D supplementation in premenopausal women can prevent breast cancer in high-risk women by reducing breast density, as seen on mammography.

While there are no research sites in Minnesota, there are 150 sites across the country so please pass information about this study to those you know who might be interested.

To learn more about the enrollment sites, who can participate, & what participation involves go to http://www.armyofwomen.org/current/view?grant_id=694

To learn more about the Army of Women & other studies go to http://www.armyofwomen.org 

Angelina Jolie's recent opinion piece in The New York Times has generated many conversations about genetic testing for the BRCA 1 & 2 gene mutations. 

Unfortunately, some women are needlessly worried about their own risk of having the BRCA 1/2 genetic mutation.  It is important to remember that ONLY 5% of breast cancer is caused by the BRCA 1/2 genetic mutations.  That low percentage means that 95% of breast cancers are not caused by the BRCA 1/2 genetic mutation. 

If you or someone you know is considering being tested for the BRCA 1/2 genetic mutation, I strongly urge you to FIRST consult with a certified genetic counselor.  Both the Mayo Clinic & the University of Minnesota have certified genetic counselors on staff.  Some of the larger hospitals & breast centers in Minnesota also have certified genetic counselors.

Please keep in mind that just because someone has taken a course in genetics, that does not qualify them as a genetic counselor.  PLEASE consult with a certified genetic counselor.

Second, not all insurance companies cover the cost of testing for BRCA 1/2.  The cost of complete testing is usually $3.400.

Third, deciding to have a prophylactic mastectomy is a serious decision which should be made after careful consideration of all of one's options.  It is important to participate with your physician in a shared-decision making process before having a prophylactic mastectomy. 

Fourth, having a BRCA 1/2 genetic mutation puts a person at increased risk for breast & ovarian cancer but having the genetic mutation does NOT mean that a person will die from breast or ovarian cancer. 

Not every woman with the BRCA 1/2 genetic mutation decides to have a prophylactic mastectomy.  Many women choose to be screened more frequently.

The National Cancer Institute has valuable information about the BRCA 1/2 genetic mutation & about genetic testing for the mutation.  To access that information, go to:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

Johns Hopkins Medicine also has valuable information at:

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/avon_foundation_breast_center/breast_cancers_other_conditions/brca1_brca2_genetic_mutation.html

To find a certified genetic counselor, go to http://www.ncgc.org

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network has written a thoughtful response to Peggy Orenstein's article, "Our Feel-Good War on Breast Cancer."  MBCN Secretary, Katherine O'Brien, observes in her piece that Orenstein's article "...can be summed up in one sentence 'Early Detection is Not a Cure.'  Metastatic breast cancer can occur 5, 10, 15, or even 20 years after a person's original diagnosis."

O'Brien also notes the problems of over-diagnosis, especially with ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS.

The MBCN website has valuable information.  Please read O'Brien's piece & then explore the MBCN website.

http://mbcnbuzz.wordpress.com/2013/04/27/our-feel-good-war-on-breast-cancer-mbcn-responds/

Since its publication on April 28, 2013, Peggy Orenstein's New York Times Magazine article "Our Feel-Good War on Breast Cancer" has generated a lot of thoughtful comments & reaction.

Read the response from Fran Visco, President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition to Orenstein's piece. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fran-visco/feeling-bad-about-the-feel-good-war-on-breast-cancer_b_3208408.html

Please take a few minutes to read this excellent piece by Laura Nikolaides, Director of Research & Quality Care Programs at the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC).

Laura delivered her remarks at NBCC's recent Inaugural Advocate Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. 

If you find this piece thought-provoking, I urge you to read other blog posts by Laura.

http://breastcanceradvocate.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/inaugural-advocate-leadership-summit-where-are-we-in-2013/

Pathways Minneapolis received a grant from the Komen Minnesota affiliate to hold 4 Renewing Life Retreats for breast cancer survivors. 

The retreats are FREE for any woman who is a breast cancer survivor, at any stage, & whose household income is $40,000 or less. 

Each retreat is 3 days long.  The first retreat will be held at the Mount Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington, MN from June 28-30, 2013.

To find out more about the Renewing Life retreats & to see a list of future retreat dates & locations, go to

www.pathwaysminneapolis.org/renewinglife3day

Or call Pathways Health Crisis Resource Center at 612-822-9061.

The University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Center is sponsoring a FREE informational program focusing on Flight Professionals and Cancer.  The program begins at 5 PM on Monday, May 13 at the MSP Airport Hilton.   

The expert panel will be led by Douglas Yee, M.D., Masonic Cancer Center Director.  Dr. Yee will be joined by a panel of international cancer experts.  The informational program will focus on the most current information and breakthroughs regarding breast cancer & prostate cancer risk, screening, and treatment. 

The event is free but please register at the link below so event planners know how many will attend.  After you register, you will be able to print out a ticket to admit you to the program.

I hope to see you there on May 13.

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6017611839/?ref=enivtefor001&utm_source=eb_email&utm_media=email&utm_compaign=inviteformalv2&utm_term=readmore&invite=null#

Today the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the case against Myriad Genetics.  The case focuses on whether a company can patent a human gene.  Because Myriad patented the BRCA 1 & 2 genes, no other company can develop a test for those genes or variations of those genes.  Those restrictions mean that any testing for BRCA 1 & 2 must be done using the Myriad Gentics test.  The test costs $3,000.  Last year, $405 million of Myriad Genetics' profits came from the BRCA 1 & 2 test.

To learn more about the case & why many breast cancer advocates are concerned, go to

http://msmagazine.com/blog/2013/04/13/the-breast-cancer-gene-and-the-control-of-womens-bodies/

A free showing of Pink Ribbons, Inc begins tonight at 5:50 PM at the Mayo Memorial Auditorium on the University of MN campus.  The film is part of the National Public Health Week Film Festival at the U of MN.

Plan to arrive early to browse the information from organizations like the MN Breast Cancer Coalition, the African-American Breast Cancer Alliance, & others.  Common Roots Cafe is providing free refreshments for film attendees.

To find out more about tonight's film & the other films that are part of this week's festival, go to

http://www.advances.umn.edu/filmfest/tuesday/

Casting for Recovery will hold a free retreat for breast cancer survivors who live in Minnesota or Wisconsin.  The retreat will be held at The Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren, WI from May 31 - June 2, 2013.

Applications must be received by April 1, 2013.  The application is at the organization's website at

www.castingforrecovery.org 

The Cure Magazine website has a very comprehensive list of resources & links for those seeking information about cancer.  The list begins with general resources & then includes special interest categories such as caregiving; clinical trials; financial & drug assistance; hospice & palliative care; integrative medicine; pain; retreat centers; survivorship and much more.

There is a brief description of each website plus an active link to each website.  The information is not specific to breast cancer so please refer anyone looking for help & information about any cancer to this valuable webiste.

http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/resources.showToolbox/id/42

On April 2, 2013 at 5 PM, the U of MN Department of Public Health will show the film Pink Ribbons, Inc as part of its National Public Health Film Festival. 

To learn more about Pink Ribbons, Inc and the other films that will be shown during the film festival, please go to:

http://www.advances.umn.edu/filmfest/

The MN Breast Cancer Coalition, the African-American Breast Cancer Alliance & other Minnesota organizations will have information available before the film.

The Avon Foundation for Women, the Foundation for the National Institutes for Health, Komen for the Cure and other breast cancer organizations held the second Breast Cancer Collaborative Summit on January 31 & February 1 in Washington, DC. 

Invited researchers, funders, foundations, advocates, scientists, and industry representatives gathered to assess the breast cancer research landscape and develop individual and collaborative projects to move the breast cancer research field forward.

Laura Nikolaides, Director of Research and Quality Care Programs at the National Breast Cancer Coalition, presented an update on NBCC's current projects and priorities.  To read her remarks, go to:

http://blog.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/?p=502

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a wealth of information for consumers.  If you are considering breast implants, please read "5 Things to Know about Breast Implants."  In addition to valuable information about breast implants, there are also links to other FDA consumer resources.

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm338144.htm?source=govdelivery

The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) recently awarded its second seed grant for work on a preventive breast cancer vaccine.  The seed grant is part of NBCC's Artemis Project which brings together a collaborative group of advocates and scientists to take a strategic, systematic, yet broad approach to the development of a breast cancer vaccine within five years.

The grant was awarded to Dr. Paul Ewald, University of Louisville and Dr. Vladimir Belyi, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.  

To read more about this seed grant and NBCC's Breast Cancer Deadline 2020, go to:

http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/about-nbcc/newsroom/2013-press-releases/NBCCAwardsSecondSeedGrant.html

As many of you may know, Dr. Susan Love, author of The Breast Book, was diagnosed in June 2012 with leukemia.  Recently, the Los Angeles Times profiled Dr. Love.  Please take a few minutes to read this interesting interview with the woman whose book has been a trusted guide for many of us as we fought breast cancer.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-morrison-susan-love-cancer-20130213,0,1499228.column

The Breast Cancer Awareness Association's 2013 Breast Party in Town will be held on Friday, March 1, 2013 at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Minneapolis.

This year's party features music by Molly and the Danger Band, a silent auction, & delicious food by D'Amico.  Party emcees are Kim Insley & Tim McNiff from KARE 11.

For more information about the Breast Party in Town and to register, go to

https://bcaamn.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=19 

The Cancer Letter interviewed Fran Visco, President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, about Breast Cancer Deadline 2020. In the interview, Fran talks about progress on the Deadline, the increasing level of support in the scientific community, and the work to be done to achieve the goal. To read the interview or to listen to a recording of the interview, go to

 http://www.cancerletter.com/downloads/20130125/download

To learn about all aspects of the Deadline in depth, go to 

 http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org

Former President Bill Clinton has agreed to serve as honorary chairman of the National Breast Cancer Coalition's Breast Cancer Deadline 2020. 

Read more about Clinton's long-term connections with the National Breast Cancer Coalition and about Deadline 2020 at:

http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/about-nbcc/newsroom/2012-press-releases/PresidentClintonJoinsBCD2020.html?autologin=true

Allina Health is offering a free program for breast cancer patients with advanced (Stage 4) cancer and their loved ones.  The program runs from 7:30 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at the U of MN's Continuing Education and Conference Center.  Free parking, a continental breakfast, and program materials are included.   

Henry Emmons, MD, will speak on "Cultivating Joy" and Rachael Freed, LICSW. will present on "Legacies: Footprints of Our Lives."

Registration is required and space is limited.  For more information and to register, please go to: http://wellness.allinahealth.org/events/3696

Fran Visco, President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, has written a thoughtful column detailing how little has changed in breast cancer in the past 25 years.

It's long past time to go beyond awareness and a sea of pink products & buildings.  Please take time to read Fran's column at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fran-visco/breast-cancer-awareness_b_1947901.html

Then please learn more about NBCC's commitment to ending breast cancer by 2020 at http://breastcancerdeadline2020.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) has a wealth of resources for those newly diagnosed with breast cancer and those facing a diagnosis of metastasis. 

Go to the LBBC website at www.lbbc.org to download a copy of the Guide for the Newly Diagnosed or booklets on metastatic breast cancer.  The website also has links to web programs, podcasts, and a variety of booklets that can be downloaded.

LBBC also has a Survivors' Helpline at 888-753-5222. 

The Love/Avon Army of Women invites ALL women to become part of an innovative study that seeks to tell HOW breast cancer starts and HOW to prevent breast cancer.

The Health of Women Study (HOW) invites women from across the world to participate.  The study is computer-based and is open to all women, not just to women diagnosed with breast cancer.

To find out more about the study and to sign up, go to https://healthofwomenstudy.org

Men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or who are at high risk for getting breast cancer will also be accepted into the study. 

To learn more about the Army of Women go to www.armyofwomen.org

The Circle of Hope is a nonprofit, totally volunteer organization that provides financial assistance for women diagnosed with breast cancer who live in northern Minnesota and northern WI. 

Additional information about Circle of Hope and their work is on their website at www.circleofhopeduluth.org

Be sure to check out the list of upcoming events at http://www.circleofhopeduluth.org/fundraisingevents.aspx

Be sure to read Fran Visco's latest article in The Huffington Post. In this piece, Fran, president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, explains the importance of leadership & vision in ending breast cancer.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fran-visco/breast-cancer-awareness_b_1870424.html

To learn more about NBCC's work, go to http://breastcancerdeadline2020.org and be sure to sign the Petition to the President.

The 11th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Association conference will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul.  The opening plenary session is followed by two workshop sessions with a variety of workshop choices. 

If you've been to any of the prior conferences, you know this is a terrific opportunity to learn about breast cancer treatments, surgery and survivorship; to delve into mind-body connections in health; and to experience the joy of the Sense of Style fashion show.

While some popular workshops and speakers are back, there are also interesting new workshops.  Of course the always popular Resource Center opens at noon.

To register, go to www.bcaamn.org   Please note there is a reduced registration rate of $30.00 for breast cancer survivors.  Bring your friends and fill up a table!

Please stop at the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition's table in the Resource Center to learn more about us and about the National Breast Cancer Coalition and its Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 work.  Be sure to sign the Petition to the President either at the Conference or at http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org

If you are 18 or older and are currently completing chemotherapy or radiation or have completed chemotherapy within the last three months, you may be eligible for an eight week mindfulness-based, cancer recovery (MBCR) study.

MBCR is based on mindfulness-based stress reduction, a therapeutic combination of mindfulness meditation and gentle yoga.  MBCR teaches how to intentionally cope with pain, illness, and the stress of modern life.  Classes will be conducted by instructors from the Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of MN.

Classes will be held at Southdale Hospital & at the University of Minnesota.

For more information about the study, please call 612-625-3722 or email Christine at jacox003@umn.edu

To access a flyer about the study, click on http://www.csh.umn.edu/prod/groups/ahc/@pub/@ahc/@csh/documents/content/ahc_content_402351.pdf

This Army of Women study is open to Latinas living anywhere in the United States who were diagnosed with breast cancer, completed chemotherapy in the last 10 years, and experienced menopause as a result of their chemotherapy.

The study is about chemotherapy-induced premature menopause.

To learn more about the study, please go to http://mailing.armyofwomen.org/form/armyofwomen/viewhtml/9z1zh8h3olilrs1b0q87eum1bkk2h7089umvadbn8go

To learn more about the Dr. Susan Love/Avon Army of Women, go to

http://armyofwomen.org

When the National Breast Cancer Coalition launched Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 in September 2010, they promised to issue a progress report each year so that researchers, clinicians, government officials, advocates, and the general public would have specific information regarding work accomplished on ending breast cancer by January 1, 2020.

In the general world of breast cancer, little has changed in breast cancer treatment or statistics in the last year.  That's why it's especially important to take time to read NBCC's second annual Progress Report.  In the past year, NBCC has made significant and substantial progress in its work to end breast cancer.  This progress is fully described in Section 9 of the 2012 Progress Report.

Access the full report at

 http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/about-the-deadline/progress-reports/2012-progress-report.html

Thousands of attendees have praised the quality of the National Breast Cancer Coalition's Project LEAD training and NBCC's annual conferences.  Now selected talks from NBCC's 2012 Advocate Summit & past conferences are available to view at the just launched "Online Center for Advocacy Training." 

This online center will bring the best of NBCC's presentations from conferences, workshops & Project LEAD to the online community.

Viewers are encouraged to "watch, learn, & share" what they discover.  By doing so, viewers will join with others in helping to accomplish NBCC's mission - to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020.

Videos are currently available in four areas: Breast Cancer Research, Breast Cancer Science, Changing the System, & Influencing Public Policy.

To access the Online Center for Advocacy Training, go to

http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/get-involved/training/online-center-for-advocacy-training/

New videos will be added periodically. 

In September 2010, the National Breast Cancer Coalition set a Deadline to End Breast Cancer by January 1, 2020.  NBCC's recently released Blueprint describes how NBCC will harness the energy, resources and leadership from around the world to achieve Breast Cancer Deadline 2020. 

The Blueprint highlights plans in three areas aligned with NBCC's three goals: research, access, and influence.  Those three goals were set by NBCC when it was founded in 1991.  They have guided NBCC's work for over 20 years and remain our focus.

To read NBCC's Blueprint, go to www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/Blueprint

The National Breast Cancer Coalition's Artemis Project is focused on developing a breast cancer preventive vaccine.  Soon NBCC will award seed grants to advance our work in the identification of targets for a vaccine to prevent breast cancer. 

Click on the link below to read the 2012 report on the Artemis Project. 

http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/assets/pdfs/ArtemisProject2012AnnualMeetingReport.pdf

Did you know that you can help us reach our goal to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020, just by using social media like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn?

I was first inspired to use social media as a means to end breast cancer while at NBCC’s 2012 Annual Advocate Summit. As I sat in the audience listening to social media experts discuss what the breast cancer movement can learn from other social change movements like Occupy Wall Street and the Arab Spring, Dr. Alan Rosenblatt, one of the very top social media experts and Associate Director for Online Advocacy at the Center for American Progress and CAP Action Fund,pointed out that our task was simple: We could use social media tools to do what we do best—raise awareness about our deadline, make clear its urgency, and urge others to take action.

Click here for full article.

Achieving Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 involves holding government officials, researchers, and advocates accountable.  Read NBCC's President Fran Visco's latest Huffington Post entry about the importance of accountability in ending breast cancer by 2020.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fran-visco/breast-cancer_b_1699465.html

Doctor Susan Love's Army of Women needs female breast cancer survivors from across the United States to take an online survey regarding long-term health, quality of life, and satisfaction with care.

All female breast cancer survivors are eligible for this online survey.  The information will help researchers at Duke University as they develop a guide to surgical decision-making for those newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

To learn more about this opportunity and to learn more about the Army of Women, click on this link:

http://mailing.armyofwomen.org/form/armyofwomen/viewhtml/9z1z66g2uob8vt714supukit83bg0s87lo8f4u86tm0

Read Fran Visco's powerful op-ed, recently published in The Boston Globe, on why NOW is the time to end breast cancer.

http://act.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/site/DocServer/NBCC_op-ed_6_20.pdf?docID=2821&autologin=true

Dr. Susan Love's Army of Women needs women in the Twin Cities metro area who are taking an aromatase inhibitor - Arimidex (anastrozole), femara (letrozole), or Aromasin (exemestane) - after initial treatment for early-stage breast cancer AND who are experiencing muscle, joint or bone pain to participate in a research study evaluating the effects of vitamin D3 on these symptoms.

To learn more about this research, click on this link:

http://mailing.armyofwomen.org/form/armyofwomen/viewhtml/9z1zja3ai47pcpivjb26g37laiq5c6l6nl3elqgued8

Please forward the link to others in the Twin Cities who may be interested in the study. 

To learn more about Dr. Susan Love's Army of Women, go to http://www.armyofwomen.org 

www.rallybag.co

Rally Bag is run by students from the University of Minnesota.  This retro bag is a fabulous pink fanny pack and 100% of the profits are being generously donated to the MNBCC!

The students designed, developed, and manufactured this stylish, yet functional bag that is perfect for any outing where you need to carry your things hands-free.  Bright pink material, faux leather straps and an adorable leopard print interior make this bag a must-have.  The students are also selling a limited number of bags with enameled pink ribbon pins attached for only $5 more - all of which goes directly to the MNBCC! 

Check out and buy both products at www.rallybag.co  

For custom embroidery or team sales, email rallybag@gmail.com

Dr. Susan Love, breast surgeon & author of The Breast Book, and the Avon Foundation revolutionized breast cancer research 3 years ago with the Love/Avon Army of Women.

The Army of Women connects those with or without breast cancer with breast cancer researchers throughout the United States. Please join hundreds of thousands of women & men in the Army of Women.  To learn more, click on this link:  http://www.armyofwomen.org

Please take a few minutes to read the interview that Ladies Home Journal magazine did with Fran Visco, President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.  Visco talks about the need to Change the Conversation in order to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020.  She also highlights specific actions that NBCC is taking to achieve Breast Cancer Deadline 2020.  Read the interview at http://www.lhj.com/health/conditions/cancer/countdown-to-the-cure/

The Twin Cities Film Fest, which runs from September 20-25, includes two documentaries about the fight against breast cancer.

"Signing On" profiles a group of deaf breast cancer survivors, the Pink Deafies, who struggle with communication in the hearing-dominated healthcare system.  I saw this film when it was first released & give it my personal "thumbs up."  http://www.twincitiesfilmfest.org/films/signing-on/

"Cancer Pants" is the story of 36 year old Rochelle Poulson and her battle after being diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer.   http://twincitiesfilmfest.org/films/cancerpants/

The National Breast Cancer Coalition has set a deadline to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020.

Show your support for Breast Cancer Deadline 2020® by signing NBCC's Petition to President Obama.

http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/act/Presidential-Petition.html?autologin=true

To learn more about Breast Cancer Deadline 2020® go to http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org  The website has a wealth of background information about the Deadline 2020 campaign and a toolkit to help you join in the action to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020.

If you're active in social media, post the petition link to your Facebook page and tweet about the petition if you're on Twitter.

Minnesota's Breast Cancer Awareness Association will hold its 10th annual BCAA Education Conference on October 1, 2011 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The conference begins at 8 AM & ends at 3:30 PM.  Please join hundreds of breast cancer survivors, their friends & family members at this fun & information filled day.  The conference includes a plenary session, two seminar sessions, a luncheon, & a Sense of Style fashion show with women & men who are breast cancer survivors modeling the fashions.  There will also be a Resource Center where local breast cancer organizations provide information about their services and products.

To register online or for further information, go to http://bcaamn.org 

The National Breast Cancer Coalition has set a goal - the end of breast cancer - and a deadline - January 1, 2020.  This unprecedented initiative, Breast Cancer Deadline 2020, is NBCC's call to action for all policymakers, researchers, and scientists to end breast cancer over the next decade.

Go to www.BreastCancerDeadline2020.org to learn why we need a deadline & NBCC's plan.  I urge you to watch the powerful introductory video and to read the white paper that details why we need a deadline & explains NBCC's strategic, innovative, and integrative plan for Breast Cancer Deadline 2020.

Cast your vote & leave your comments about Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 at www.BreastCancerDeadline2020.org 

Gary Schwitzer from HealthNewsReview Blog links to a thoughtful piece from the New England Journal of Medicine on the mammography controversy. It's been nearly a year since the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued its recommendations regarding mammography screening. This article presents a valuable perspective on the controversy and explains why recommendations must be made by an independent panel. Check out the blog and get the link to the article here. 

Join us at the Breast Cancer Awareness Association's (BCAA) 9th Annual Living With Breast Cancer Educational Conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010. The conference provides a forum where renowned breast health experts will share the latest information on breast cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship issues. There are several seminars to choose from, as well as a luncheon and style show with fashions modeled by survivors. Local breast health organizations will also be available to provide information on breast health products, organizations and services. Check-in is at 8 a.m. and the conference begins at 8:30.

Please visit the BCAA's Web site for registration information. Early bird registration ends on Sept. 24.

The National Breast Cancer Coalition's Project LEAD Workshop is coming to Minnesota Sept. 24-26 at Hotel Sofitel in Bloomington. The training program is for advocates interested in an introductory education in the science of breast cancer. The workshop is for NBCC members only. (If you are not an NBCC member, you can join for $35.) The workshop is free for NBCC members. If you would like more information or want to register to attend, visit the NBCC Web site. Deadline for registration is Sept. 15.