Disparities in breast cancer outcomes are unacceptable and will only improve with sustained, collective action. That’s why Susan G. Komen’s Center for Public Policy proudly supports the recently introduced NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act.
Babett never expected to hear the words “you have breast cancer.” She doesn’t have a family history and she underwent regular mammograms. “It felt like I was in the wrong movie,” she said. “It was surreal.”
Ashley Bell was diagnosed with stage 4 (metastatic) breast cancer in 2021. She was just 34 years old. “I don’t have a history of breast cancer in my immediate biological famly, and I don’t carry the gene mutation,” she said. “There is no cure for stage 4 breast cancer. I will be on some type of treatment for the rest of my life.”
When it comes to breast cancer research and finding effective treatments, collaboration and data sharing are key. Melissa Bondy, Ph.D., is ShareForCures™ Chief Scientist and at the forefront of developing and implementing Susan G. Komen’s innovative new initiative.
Marlo Matthews has undergone treatment for breast cancer twice, first in 2014 and then again seven years later. “Breast cancer has been hard, it’s been difficult, but I did it,” she said. “I got through it. Twice.”
Megan May knew her family history meant she was at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. She prepared as best as she could and underwent regular screenings. However, her diagnosis in 2019 still came as a shock.
In 2011, Karin Moughler was shocked when she discovered a lump in her right breast. She was soon diagnosed with breast cancer. Following her treatment, she began volunteering with Komen in Nashville, where her MORE THAN PINK Walk team, Karin’s Pink Warriors, has participated in every event since 2012 to support Komen’s vision of a world without breast cancer.
According to revised guidelines issued by the United States Preventative Services Taskforce (USPSTF) women at average risk for breast cancer should begin mammogram screenings every other year starting at 40 instead of 50 years old. We spoke with Natasha Mmeje, Director of Community Education & Outreach for Susan G. Komen to learn more about how the draft recommendation could affect these communities.
In 1991, Janice underwent treatment for breast cancer. Over the past 32 years, she’s focused on her family, health and wellness. Then, in late 2022, Janice was diagnosed with a second type of breast cancer. “How I react affects my family, so I’m going with the flow and moving forward,” she says of undergoing treatment a second time.
Twenty years after her mother passed away from breast cancer, Colleen Boraca learned she had two conditions that increase her chances of developing breast cancer. Her oncologist recommended she take tamoxifen, which may reduce her chances of developing breast cancer.
Ruth Travis was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer just two days before she turned 62. She’s now dedicated to helping other breast cancer survivors and patients. “I’ve got to do everything I can,” she said.
Komen Scholar Dr. Julie Palmer grew up never knowing her mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. It was only after she graduated from college and her mother faced her second breast cancer diagnosis that she learned her mother quietly had a mastectomy when Palmer was in the sixth grade.
