MBC Impact Series

About the Free Series 

Susan G. Komen’s Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Impact Series provides people living with metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones a safe, collaborative space to gather information related to MBC and discover practical resources to help make decisions for improved physical and emotional health. 

During the free events, you can participate in sessions with leading experts, hear from individuals living with MBC and gather information from wellness experts. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask our speakers questions. 

*Statements and opinions expressed during events are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Participants should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment 

2022 Events

This webinar provided those living with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers an opportunity to ask questions related to hormone receptor negative (HR-), HER2+ MBC and triple positive MBC. Our guest speaker, Komen Scholar Dr. Ann Partridge from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, responded to patient questions.

The Southern California Breast Cancer Conference, an event in Komen’s MBC Impact Series, addressed how disparities in health are shaping the future of metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Erica Stringer-Reason, an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, served as the featured speaker for the event.

In this session, guest speaker Dr. Cheryl Jones provides an overview of MBC treatments and side effects, followed by sexual health nurse Cynthia Ingram and behavioral therapist Alexandria Callahan discussing body image and sexual intimacy. Two young MBC patients then discuss their experiences balancing work, family, etc. while living with MBC in a discussion moderated by Emily Beard, nurse program coordinator for breast and GYN cancers at Northside Hospital. 

The South Central Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference addressed immunotherapy for metastatic breast cancer patients. Dr. Jennifer Keating Litton, Vice President of Clinical Research in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, served as the featured speaker.

In this session, our guest speakers cover a wide range of topics, including what is new in MBC, genomic testing, how patients can take charge of their treatment and be their own best advocate, and relaxation, meditation and breathing. Renowned speakers include Komen’s Chief Scientific Advisor Dr. George Sledge; Komen Scholar Dr. Nikhil Wagle; Shirley Mertz, President of Metastatic Breast Cancer Network; and Amelia Coffaro, an Oncology Support Yoga Therapist.

2021 Events

On this episode, we’ll be discussing metastatic breast cancer (MBC) basics: the principles and goals of therapy, including bone health, new treatments for specific subtypes of MBC, and an introduction to clinical trials. Our guest speakers for MBC 101 are Komen Scholar Dr. Ben Ho Park, Director of Precision Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Dr. Larissa Korde from National Cancer Institute. Our Patient’s Perspective covers when they were first diagnosed with MBC, followed by a presentation on coping skills and resources. 

This program in our MBC Impact Series features a panel discussion on Improving Quality of Life. Speakers cover the benefits of palliative care & hospice care as well as the differences. Speakers include Dr. Kimberly Curseen, Director of Supportive and Palliative Care Outpatient Services at Emory Winship Cancer Institute, retired Hospice nurse Stephanie Walker, patients living with MBC discussing how they maintain their own quality of life, and Dr. Kari Wisinski from the University of Wisconsin discussing managing pain associated with MBC, particularly to the bone. 

In this MBC Impact Series session, Komen Scholar Dr. Abenaa Brewster gives an overview of MBC subtypes and treatments, including triple negative breast cancer, a subtype that tends to occur more often in Black women. MBC patient advocate Sheila McGlown shares her experiences in a clinical trial and advocating for herself. An oncology social worker then discusses the importance of mental health and provides resources. 

In this MBC Impact Series session, learn from Komen’s Molly Guthrie and Rebecca Birch what public policy advocacy is, current legislative issues concerning MBC, and how you can get involved. Then hear from a panel of patients discussing living with MBC and their advocacy work. 

In this MBC Impact Series session, guest speaker Joanna Fawzy Morales, Esq., CEO of Triage Cancer, discusses the financial side effects of an MBC diagnosis, including insurance, disability, etc. MBC patients Pam Kohl and Katrina Cooke share their own stories of dealing with financial toxicity, followed by a brief mindfulness meditation led by Laura Romano, MSW, Director, Spiritual Care and Mindfulness, Einstein Healthcare Network. 

In this MBC Impact Series session, guest speaker Dr. Filipa Lynce from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute gives an overview of MBC research and clinical trials. A Latina MBC patient shares her story of living with MBC.  Gabriela Miller, PT, MSPT then discusses how physical therapy can benefit MBC patients.  

In this MBC Impact Series session, guest speakers include Ben Ho Park, MD, PhD from Vanderbilt, Antonio Wolff, MD from Johns Hopkins, and Lesley Glenn, MBC Patient Advocate and AIS member for a panel discussion on what is bringing them hope for advances in MBC detection and treatment. An MBC patient then follows discussing her use of complementary and integrative therapies. 

In this MBC Impact Series session, guest speaker Joe Gray, PhD from Oregon Health & Science University, discusses how his role as an MBC caregiver has informed his approach to breast cancer research. Then learn more about caregiver support resources and hear a conversation between an MBC patient and their caregiver on the challenges of an MBC diagnosis and how they are helping one another. 

In this MBC Impact Series session, guest speaker Leslie Waltke, PT, DPT gives practical advice for managing pain, weakness, and fatigue associated with MBC and MBC treatment.  

Sponsors

Thank you to the following partners for their support of the Komen MBC Impact Series

National Technology Sponsor

Premier Sponsors

Amgen Oncology

Signature Sponsor

*Sponsors as of June 16, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer) is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body (most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain). It’s estimated there were more than 168,000 women living with metastatic breast cancer in the U.S. in 2020 [1]. 

  1. Mariotto AB, Etzioni R, Hurlbert M, PenberthyL, Mayer M. Estimation of the number of women living with metastatic breast cancer in the United States. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 26(6):809-815, 2017. 

Anyone who wants to learn more about MBC is welcome. The series is primarily offered for those living with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers, as well as health professionals who provide care or services to those with MBC. You must register with a valid email address to attend the events.

Yes, you will need to register for each event. After your first event registration, we send a monthly newsletter with valuable information and details about the upcoming events.

MBC Impact Series events are conducted on Zoom. Upon registration, you will receive a link to join using the email you created during registration. The event is accessible from desktop, mobile and tablet devices.

No. Zoom is available through the browser of your choice on desktop computers and mobile devices as well as through the Zoom app. Read the Zoom FAQs to learn more.

Yes, recordings of the live events will be posted to this page after each event so you can watch on-demand when and where it is convenient for you. 

Need Help?

Our Breast Care Helpline offers free support and information about breast health, breast cancer, local and national resources and clinical trials from trained oncology social workers and specialists. 

1-877-465-6636
Mon–Fri 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
Se habla español.

1-877 GO KOMEN

helpline@komen.org