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By VH Lester (last radiotherapy) 20.12.24  Hit me baby one more time Give my fraction of radiation  One more step along this bumpy road I go  Yes this is it here I go last push  Insurance policy for my future  Promises of never never  Cold hands draw red and black markings like road paint  Seeing my distorted reflection and suddenly feel faint l feel like a microwaved chicken pie warmed up with rays deep inside  I’m never scared just quite amazed this big white ship keeps my place whilst radiologists rush around symphony no. 5 in the background  So many needles I’ve totally lost count, from operations to chemo I’m all energied out  They said it takes a year to feel sane I certainly agree now 6 months of treatment ago it came  What started with a lump turned into a mountain climb  But I’ve reached the summit  I’m proud to say because today my dears is final boobie radiation day  Yes I’m going to run before I can walk and feel the ice cold wind in my mouth as I talk  I’m going to places I’ve never been, behave like an outrageous drama queen  I’m going to hold my mum and dad so tight they will have to struggle or put up a fight I’m going to look in my children’s faces and squeeze them when we are in the same places  I’m going to hold my darling’s hand and stroke his face as he understands, he’s been there night and day non stop I can’t get enough  Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Sara Kandler I manage to unwrap my three-year-old’s surprisingly strong arms from my neck and do two drive-thru errands while the baby’s still awake in her car seat behind me and we’re humming so sweet while I spin the steering wheel slowly to the left and then to the right noticing the family-run grocery store is now a second-rate gym I should check it out and the boutique where I used to buy my boot-cut jeans now touts music classes for kids a good idea and my little one’s fussing and can I make it home in time for her to get a real nap and for me to get on the computer and suddenly I’m doing the hand-over-hand maneuver I practiced in driver’s ed with my three besties and the odd but well-meaning instructor until I’ve pulled up in front of the stucco home of an old friend who convinced me we should be more and I believed him until he explained a few months later this is just too much — I’m struggling to breathe baby now crying son must be asking for me bland house still standing music from mixed tapes spilling out into the fresh fall air This scar This car I need to get home Follow Sara Kandler: https://medium.com/@sarakandler  Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Triona Lonergan Somebody  said that everything happens for a reason. Somebody  said you’re only challenged with what you can handle. Somebody  said the best way out is through. Somebody  said nothing is impossible, Somebody  said things do not change, we do Somebody  said that difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.   They  told me to trust the process They  told me to embrace the uncertainty They  told me it always gets worse before it gets better They  told me life won’t wait. They  told me that if you’re going through hell, keep going. They  told me that sometimes you win and sometimes you learn.   When somebody  assumes, they  can’t see what is When somebody  smiles, they  conceal their story. When somebody  stumbles, they  make it part of the dance. When somebody  says the truth will set you free, they  must be willing to hear it. When somebody  believes in tomorrow, they  will live for today.     Unless somebody  faces adversity, they’ll  never understand that …   The only way somebody  survives is by believing they  can!!   Somebody , the wisest person they  ever quoted. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Pooja Jain Scribble, doodle, write your heart out Scratch the paper with your sorrow, Decorate it with your love, Color it with your anger. Why must we turn to guns to end injustices? Who will hear when people are dying? Pick up the mighty pen, Scribble, doodle, Write your heart out. Let the world listen Give someone a chance to read, And write back to you. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Jill Rackham BRCA faulty gene, I feel fed up with you now. I can't believe I have you and you are within my family somehow. You have been sitting silently inside me all of my life. I only discovered you when breast cancer came along causing much strife. With no immediate family history of breast cancer how could this be. It was such a shock to find out that you had made cancer grow inside me. Further surgery became part of my cancer management plan. It felt never ending but I am determined to do all I that I can. Surgery is now complete but the shock of you will take some time to recover from. Thoughts often wondering if this faulty gene is something I have now passed on… I've now done everything I can to reduce my high risk of breast cancer returning. And indeed of ovarian cancer stirring. I'm hopeful that as research continues science will lead to your fault being corrected. This could mean future generations will not be in any way affected. Only 5% of breast cancer is caused by an inherited faulty gene. I would love for this statistic to be non-existent and not even be seen. BRCA faulty gene you feel like a heavy burden to carry around. I so wish I didn’t have you, but I do and thankfully you were found. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By William Laferriere unraveling the knots of my heart (dedicated to the many known unknowns) Pain, a throbbing pulsation within the chest, why do you linger? why do you persist? memories are like thorns,  they pierce the present, but what if...  what if we could transcend? forgiveness,  it’s but a whisper in the night, can I be the balm?  can I transform? the weight of grudges, so heavy to bear, & yet letting go feels like falling through white mountain air who am I without this pain? my identity seems wrapped in wounds,  and usually in vain, but forgiveness beckons,  a kind and gentle hand, offering up a well lit path  for to forgive is to free oneself,  but how? when anger feels like home,  like clay molded around my heart,  familiar, known, yet suffocating,  leaving me alone breathe… breathe in forgiveness,  breathe out spite, a mantra in the dark,  a flickering, shimmering light, each exhale releases a fragment of pain and hurt, each inhale, a chance to assert for I am more than my pain, more than the sum of loss and gain. forgiveness, not for them, but for me, a key to unlock, to set myself free but wait—is it that simple? that clean? to wash away tears and a multitude of years,  to wipe that bloody slate clean? perhaps it’s a journey,  not a destination, a daily choice,  an enjoyable & quiet liberation forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting, it’s understanding, it’s resetting a narrative we tell ourselves  choosing peace over the need to be right and in this course,  this conscious shift, I find that pain begins to fade not all at once, but in waves, in stages, turning hurt into wisdom, life’s but a process rewritten with compassion’s pen, for others, yes, but for myself, again and again and again for in forgiving others, we forgive ourselves nurturing the light that always follows so let it go, let it blossom, let it flow, like a river to the sea,  let it go  let it go it transforms through the alchemy of forgiveness  into strength,  into empathy,  into you and into me evolving, growing, forever becoming, no longer trapped in its numbing forgiveness: a philosophy of the heart, where healing and wisdom commence as one and in this stream of conscious thought, I find that peace was not purchased but cultivated,  nurtured from within, where forgiveness and love have always been. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

Over 70% of people with a breast cancer diagnosis do not know why they developed the disease. Could it be environmental? The built environment is a term which refers to human-made surroundings, ranging from buildings, schools and office spaces to parks and neighborhood infrastructure. It is the setting in which we live, work, and socialize. Have you ever wondered how the environment around you affects your health and well-being? Neighborhoods are key determinants of health. The infrastructure of your neighborhood plays a significant role in your health and well-being. As an example, does your neighborhood have sidewalks where you can easily take walks, and for your children to safely ride their bicycles? Do you have access to outdoor green spaces and parks ? Do you have access to fresh groceries and healthy food? Studies have shown that these built environment factors are associated with physical activity levels and dietary patterns. If you live in a suburb, you may have access to good roads and sidewalks , but what is the tradeoff; reliance on cars contributing to air pollution and a more sedentary life-style driving to and from work, to and from the grocery store and so on? That is not to say we should all rush to move into the cities either. While city planning allows for increased bike lanes and a commuter culture of walking to the bus stop or walking a few blocks from the train to the office, people may also be more likely to pick up fast food from a convenience store, or eat out more often versus cooking at home . Our environment influences our behaviors. Neighborhood factors influence the health habits among cancer survivors, affecting survivorship outcomes, disease recurrence, and mortality. Medical evidence is beginning to show the correlation of neighborhoods' disparities in cancer risk. If people are living in an environment that promotes a more sedentary lifestyle, they are at an increased risk of gaining weight and becoming obese, which can lead to poor health outcomes and longer term health risks such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Today’s #FeatureFriday focuses on the built environment and the conscious decisions we all take to move our bodies daily and advocate for sidewalks, bike lanes, access to healthcare, healthy foods, education, and to cut down on toxic carcinogens in our environments. How has your environment affected your health? Let us know at hello@survivingbreastcancer.org . Articles: Is Cancer Prevention Influenced by the Built Environment? Transportation is an element of the built environment interrelated to accessibility and housing. Good access to transportation ensures access to high-quality screening services and has been found to be associated with less severe stages at diagnosis for many cancers. Transportation infrastructure, such as ports, railways, and expressways is also associated with higher rates of air pollution and, in turn, higher exposure-based risks for lung, colorectal, and nervous system–based cancers. Environment and Obesity Many environmental factors that affect relative weight can be classified under sixteen headings. The first of them, the built environment factors that act upon body weight balance include physical, chemical, biological agents, urban housing and social conditions, transportation and pollution related to the proximity of influential agricultural or industrial environmental centers of activity. There is a statistically significant relationship between some aspects of the built-up environment and risk of obesity. Understanding the influence of both opportunities for physical activity and access to healthy foods is critical to obtaining a comprehensive picture of this connection. Social Determinants of Health Social determinants of health are conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. Examples of these resources include safe and affordable housing, access to education, public safety, availability of healthy foods, local emergency/health services, and environments free of life-threatening toxins. Understanding the relationship between how population groups experience “place” and the impact of “place” on health is fundamental to the social determinants of health—including both social and physical determinants. Leveraging the Built Environment for Health Equity According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the built environment “includes all of the physical parts of where we live and work” (2011, 1). These include our homes, workplaces, streets, neighborhoods, infrastructure, buildings, parks, trails, and even vacant properties that once contained structures. Health equity means that “everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.”1 To achieve health equity, communities must address the differing levels of access that various groups have to health-promoting systems and resources like housing, transportation, jobs, parks and recreation facilities, food, medical care, and neighborhoods and their differing levels of quality, cost, and safety.

Lymphedema refers to swelling caused by a build-up of lymphatic fluid in the body. It is commonly brought about by the surgical removal of or damage to one's lymph nodes due to cancer or cancer treatment. For example, a tumor may block the flow of lymph fluid and result in a blockage. In other cases, lymphedema may develop due to damaged lymph nodes as a result of surgery or radiation. Your lymphatic system serves a critical biological role. It’s job is to circulate lymph fluid (a protein rich solution) throughout your body, capturing bacteria, viruses and waste. These wastes are then filtered through your lymph nodes, by infection fighting cells called lymphocytes, and then flushed from your body. According to the NIH, 5-17% of women who have a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) develop lymphedema and the percentage increases up to 53% for women who have an axillary (armpit) lymph node dissection (ALND). Lymphedema can occur a few months after treatment and, in some cases, may manifest 20 years later. While there is currently no cure for lymphedema there are precautions people can take to reduce the chances of developing it - such as keeping the affected arm clean and avoiding cuts. Suggestion: When going for your follow up doctor's appointments, ask to have your blood pressure taken, and/or any bloodwork drawn, from the non-affected side. You may may also want to avoid wearing tight clothing, watches and restrictive jewelry to prevent any lymph blockage. In the event that you develop lymphedema, there are several therapies available to manage the swelling, reduce the pain and promote the flow of lymph throughout the body. You may consider wearing a compression garment when flying or working out as a preventative measure. Compression garments may also be worn more routinely to manage symptoms. The Lymphedema Network has a directory of massage therapists who work with patients and perform lymphatic drainage. This practice can be taught to patients and is a technique that can be used daily at home. Depending on the severity, a lymphedema therapist may also recommend bandaging/wrapping the arm to mimic a pumping sensation and help promote the flow of lymph fluid. While those who have had lymph nodes removed (or had radiation to the lymphatic area) may feel that they are always in a state of managing lymphedema - either preventative or treatment, the good news is that there are several treatments and therapies available so that the swelling and pain do not become severe. If you have developed lymphedema, massaging and wrapping your arm can become part of your bedtime routine just like brushing your teeth and flossing. Today's #FeatureFriday highlights information on maintaining a healthy lymphatic system after a breast cancer diagnosis as well as information and resources on prevention and treatments What are you doing to prevent or manage lymphedema? Let us know at hello@survivingbreastcancer.org . Articles: The Science behind Compression Therapy in Lymphedema Management Lymphedema does not dissipate by itself and continues to progress without adequate treatment. The goal of lymphedema management is to reduce the lymphedematous swelling to a normal or near normal size utilizing remaining healthy lymph vessels and other lymphatic pathways. Once the lymphedema is decongested, the secondary goal is to maintain the reduction and to prevent the re-accumulation of lymph fluid. ...................................................................... Physical Therapy Guide to Lymphedema About one in five women who are living with or beyond breast cancer and who have had the lymph nodes in their underarm removed during breast cancer treatment will develop lymphedema. Identifying and treating lymphedema early helps to ensure more rapid and improved outcomes. PureTech Initiates Phase 2A Trial of LYT-100 (Deupirfenidone) in Lymphedema A clinical-stage biotherapeutics company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing highly differentiated medicines for devastating diseases, today announced the initiation of a Phase 2a proof-of-concept study of LYT-100 (deupirfenidone) in patients with breast cancer-related, upper limb secondary lymphedema, a chronic and progressive disorder for which there are no FDA-approved drug therapies. LYT-100 is PureTech’s wholly-owned product candidate that is being advanced for the potential treatment of conditions involving inflammation and fibrosis and disorders of lymphatic flow. Lymphedema: What Are Your Surgical Options? If your lymphedema progresses despite using medical treatments, you may be a candidate for surgery. There are several options that your doctor will discuss with you: Vascularized lymph node transfer surgery (lymphovenous transplant), Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (also referred to as lymphovenous bypass), or Charles procedure (skin grafts)

"How did you sleep last night?" Did you toss and turn? Did you have vivid dreams? Did you sleep soundly? There are many factors that contribute to a good night's sleep such as food choices, body weight, alcohol consumption, and even one's age. As reported by Snore Lab, 10% of young adults under 30 snore compared to 40% who are over the age of 50. People diagnosed with cancer may have even more challenges sleeping due to the side effects of treatment such as insomnia or hot flashes which disrupt sleep quality. Sleep plays a significant role in overall health. It affects all aspects of the body ranging from increased energy and serotonin levels to better mood, cognition, and immune function. According to the American Sleep Association, 50-70 million US adults have a sleep disorder; 48% of people report snoring and 21% of women have obstructive sleep apnea. Many women snore as they age, especially at the beginning of menopause due to the change in hormone levels . Estrogen is essential for muscle and cell health. When the female sex hormone is depleted, muscles tend to soften and lose their elasticity and form. Moreover, women entering perimenopause, menopause, or medically induced menopause associated with cancer treatments, become prone to muscle deterioration, (think of increased fat around the midsection, hips and thighs). However, the soft tissue in the throat is not out of harms way! Estrogen and progesterone maintain the airway’s muscle tone in the throat, and keep it from collapsing. However, as hormone levels drop, women who are in menopause are more at an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. According to the Mayo Clinic, t he tissue in the throat relaxes and can partially block your airway and vibrate. The narrower the airway, the more forceful the airflow becomes. This increases tissue vibration, thereby causing snoring to grow louder. In this week's #FeatureFriday, we explore the correlation between snoring, menopause, and breast cancer. How are you sleeping? Let us know at hello@survivingbreastcancer.org . ~SBC Editorial Team Articles: Association of Estradiol with Sleep Apnea in Depressed Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: A Preliminary Study Women’s risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases substantially during and after the menopause transition, when depression risk is also elevated, raising the possibility that estrogen withdrawal contributes to OSA vulnerability, in turn contributing to mood disturbances. These preliminary results suggest that, in addition to higher BMI and age, lower estradiol may be associated with increased Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) risk in depressed women during the peri- and postmenopause, raising the possibility that estradiol withdrawal associated with menopause influences upper-airway patency in women. Study links sleep duration and frequent snoring to poorer breast cancer survival. Results show that women who typically slept less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night and were frequent snorers in the years before their cancer diagnosis experienced a poorer cancer prognosis. The findings were especially robust for women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer patients who reported sleeping 6 hours or less per night and snoring 5 or more nights per week before their diagnosis were 2 times more likely to die from breast cancer (hazard ratio = 2.14) than patients who reported sleeping 7 to 8 hours per night and rarely snored. Sleep Apnea and Cancer The tissues in your upper airway tend to lose structure as you sleep. You're relaxed, after all, and so are the muscles in the chest, neck, and face. Breathing in and out through an airway that's surrounded by soft or "flabby" tissue results in audible vibrations in the throat. These sounds may be soft or loud, or you might hear groans or whistles instead of the rattling most often associated with snoring. Sleep is a whole-body process that has a unique relationship to all body systems. When sleep is disrupted, it is fair to say that system disruption also occurs. Over time, these disruptions render an environment where chronic disease can flourish. M enopause and Sleep Generally, post-menopausal women are less satisfied with their sleep and as many as 61% rep ort insomnia symptoms. Snoring has also been found to be more common and severe in post-menopausal women. Snoring, along with pauses or gasps in breathing are signs of a more serious sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Changing and decreasing levels of estrogen cause many menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, which are unexpected feelings of heat all over the body accompanied by sweating. They usually begin around the face and spread to the chest affecting 75-85% of women around menopause.

The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) takes place annually in early December and has become the coveted event of the year! For 43 years, experts have been gathering to discuss and present state-of-the-art research in breast cancer. What once was a local one-day regional conference back in 1977 has expanded into a five-day international symposium attracting 8000+ physicians, researchers, surgical, gynecologic, and radiation oncology, as well as patient advocates from across 90+ countries. From research presentations, poster sessions, networking, and advocacy, SABCS 2020, in it's virtual environment this year, did not let us down. In case you missed the flurry of #SABCS2020 going viral across twitter, this week's #FeatureFriday curates our key take-a-ways and hot topics from the conference. Did you attend any of the sessions? What were your highlights and favorite sessions? Let us know at hello@survivingbreastcancer.org . ~SBC Editorial Team Articles: Anastrozole vs Tamoxifen: Similar Outcomes, Different Toxicities “Although our analysis did not show any significant difference in terms of recurrences between anastrozole and tamoxifen, it really shows that an improved understanding of adverse-event profiles will help patients with hormone receptor–positive ductal carcinoma in situ to make an informed decision regarding their treatment,” said study presenter Ivana Sestak, PhD, Centre for Cancer Prevention, London, United Kingdom. Should All Breast Cancer Patients Receive Genetic Testing? Recent years have seen calls for genetic testing for all patients with breast cancer, most notably from the American Society of Breast Surgeons, w hich issued guidelines in February of last year urging genetic testing with a multi-gene panel for every person diagnosed with breast cancer. Published research also has supported population-based screening among those diagnosed with the disease, while other research has urged caution for such an approach. According to Robson, since criteria for genetic testing was first established, some of the assumptions previously used to asses risk have since been debunked. Something Robson says has become evident in recent years is that family history criteria are somewhat insensitive for detecting pathogenic variants (PVs). SABCS 2020: What's Hot, Including a Major Chemotherapy Tria l The "hottest" presentation at the upcoming 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) coms from RxPONDER (abstract GS3-00), a major randomized clinical trial assessing use of a recurrence score among women with lymph node-positive, early-stage breast cancer to determine who might safely forgo chemotherapy. If the new trial sounds familiar, that's because it's a lot like the TAILORx trial, the results of which were first presented in 2018 and have changed practice in women with early-stage disease and no lymph node involvement. "This is the lymph-node positive TAILORx. It's extremely important," Kaklamani told Medscape Medical News, adding that both trials involved women with HR-positive, HER2-negative disease. Can Mindfulness Meditation and Survivorship Education Help to Reduce Depression in Young Breast Cancer Survivors? About 20% of breast cancer cases occur in women younger than 50. Persistent depressive symptoms, lasting 2 weeks or more, are especially problematic in the target population. The results of this new study highlight how 6-week interventions can reduce depression in younger women treated for breast cancer, and in the case of mindfulness meditation, improve related symptoms such as fatigue and sleep disturbance.

Happy New Year. Have you made any resolutions to serve as health goals for the upcoming year? At survivingbreastcancer.org we feel it is crucial to our well-being to have a "surviving" mentality. Ongoing research is investigating the risk of developing secondary cancers is affected by lifestyle or environmental factors. "However, most studies have been based on data from cancer registries or medical records, which generally don’t have data on these potential risk factors." according to the NIH Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. Studies show that compared with the general population, adult cancer survivors have a higher risk of developing a second primary cancer and an even higher risk of dying after such a diagnosis. The risk of developing a second primary cancer among adult cancer survivors has increased significantly in the last 15 years, likely due to the growing number of long-term cancer survivors, and especially those who have been exposed to carcinogenic treatments and/or certain lifestyle-related cancer risk factors (for example smoking, obesity, alcohol use, toxic cleaning chemicals & make up, etc., and certain infections). While there is no cure for cancer (yet), and we are still tying to understand why some people are predisposed to developing cancer and others are not, we highly recommend the following healthy eating and exercise tips (if possible): Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. Study your medications. (Work with your oncology teams to stay on top of developments in the field). Work with a nutritionist and/or exercise coach to develop a realistic plan. It is not uncommon to hear that women on Tamoxifen or an Aromatase Inhibitor gain weight or struggle to lose weight. This is most commonly associated with the lack of estrogen /hormones in the body and the effects of menopause (either naturally or medically induced). By working with a nutritionist and exercise coach, they can assist you in designing a plan that works for your lifestyle! Join our community, or similar ones, that offer substantive webinars, diet/education resources, exercise coaching & partnering and yoga***. *** At survivingbreastcancer.org we have created a buddy system utilizing WhatsApp to assist in the ongoing community exercise program. Please remember there is no shaming. If you can lift 100 lbs and I can only lift 10 lbs then be cognizant of the delta. We are here to support, encourage and assist. We have been through an extraordinary year, and the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over yet so be safe, remain socially distant, and by all means wear a mask and get the vaccine. Lastly please consider our upcoming webinars and podcasts as we discuss ways to insure a healthy and positive new year. List of events: Thursday Night Thrivers Meetup Breast Cancer Book Club Empowered with Exercise Benefits of yoga Boosting Immunity through Balanced Nutrition RSVP here . What resolutions are you making for 2021? Let us know at hello@survivingbreastcancer.org . Articles: Lifestyle Factors Can Lead to Multiple Cancers Over a Lifetime—Here We Go Again Even in the best of circumstances, when cancer is cured, survivors may be left with long-lasting adverse effects of treatment and an increased risk of developing other cancers in the future. disturbingly increased risk of second primary cancers first became apparent in survivors of childhood and young adult cancers, and was thought to be due to genetic cancer predisposition syndromes that can cause multiple malignant diseases at a young age as well as to the aggressive and carcinogenic treatments they often receive. 12 Ways to Practice Self Care After a Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis I’ve been living with metastatic breast cancer for 18 years and have found that consistent exercise—such as walking or yoga—has been great for my bone health. —Terlisa Sheppard “Since my years ago, I’ve continued to live a full and meaningful life. I start my days in private with prayer and meditation. I enjoy baking, I walk 2.1 miles at least five days a week, and I am active in my community. I also speak at breast cancer awareness events, which feels liberating.” —Karen Stock 12 Benefits of Walking That Will Make You Want to Lace Up If you do have an illness or chronic condition, walking is often more accessible (and sometimes more palatable) than other forms of exercise. And it still brings big benefits—for instance, improved function and reduced fatigue during breast cancer treatment , better blood sugar control (when done after eating) if you have diabetes , and improved quality of life if you’re a cancer patient or survivor . BREAST CANCER: DIABETES RISK REDUCTION DIET LINKED TO IMPROVED SURVIVAL A breast cancer diagnosis may increase the risk of developing T2D. Therefore, identifying strategies for T2D prevention among breast cancer survivors may play a key role in improving their survival outcomes. One approach may be through a diabetes risk reduction diet (DRRD), a dietary pattern comprised of 9 components that has been associated with 40% lower T2D risk in a previous Nurses’ Health Study publication.

This year more than “forty-two thousand (42,000) woman in the US will die of breast cancer” ( BreastCancer.org ). At survivingbreastcancer.org we are privileged to continue recording several discussions (webinars) with Abigail Johnston and her peer group Grieving Together. Topics have ranged from estate planning, palliative care, & hospice to the many forms of grieving. Our upcoming webinars and #FeatureFridays look to further these discussions, and to perform a deep dive into the loss of loved ones due to breast cancer. On January 24th we meet the mothers who have lost their daughters to breast cancer. On February 7th we meet the husbands who have lost their spouses. And we close the series on February 21 by meeting the daughters who have lost their mothers to breast cancer. In today’s #FeatureFriday we look at Disenfranchised Grief. Grief is a complex emotion that may assume many shapes and manifestations. There are several notable types of grief, with disenfranchised grief one of the least well-known. For that reason alone, it may be one the most demoralizing. Disenfranchised grief is a term used to describe grief that is not acknowledged by society. Coined by Ken Doka, he describes it as “Grief that persons experience when they incur a loss that is not or cannot be openly acknowledged, socially sanctioned or publicly mourned.” [1] Examples include the · Death of a friend · Grieving the loss of someone we’ve ever known online · A trauma in the family · The losses of a pet · Infertility · Miscarriage · Losing someone to suicide · The loss of a partner in an extra-marital affair · Loss of independence It “is an ethical failure to respect the bereaved both in their suffering and in their efforts to overcome it and live meaningfully again in the aftermath of loss” [2] Disenfranchised grief also occurs when society treats your grief as insignificant. In these cases you are not only grieving in silence, but also the right to mourn that loss. Thus disenfranchised grief occurs when society invalidates that feeling of grief or treats it as insignificant. This may happen in cases where the loss suffered is stigmatized, if the relationship is seen as insignificant, or if the relationship is stigmatized by society. “One of the most demoralizing things about disenfranchised grief is that often grievers don’t get the support they need. This means they can become vulnerable to loneliness, guilt, and depression.” [3] This lack of support serves to complicate the grieving process and makes it harder for the griever to heal. Origination of disenfranchised grief Disenfranchise as a concept was originally used to describe the action of depriving someone of their civil rights. Similarly, this deprival is essentially what people who experience disenfranchised grief feel, as their right to mourn is not recognized by society. Factors than can cause disenfranchised grief Normally we get support and validation from others after losing something or someone we love. This recognition plays a pivotal role in the mourning process, since recognition and validation are necessary for healing. However, people who feel disenfranchised grief don’t receive this recognition, so in addition to losing their loved one they also lose the opportunity to mourn it, thus they’re denied the right to recover from that loss. How disenfranchised grief occurs Grief that is not acknowledged If the relationship between the griever and the person they lost is not recognized, people may minimize the griever’s feelings because they don’t perceive the bond strong enough to warrant grief. Similarly, the stigma of people with mental disabilities and the perception of their inability to “show” emotion. One’s loss is not recognized In some cases, the loss is not considered emotionally significant or there are value judgements made on the person who passed away because of stigma such as suicide, or being in a gang. Grievers themselves are not acknowledged Following a loss, there’s usually an 'obvious griever' who receives the necessary support, but that could leave other grievers who do not receive condolences without an outlet to express their feelings. For example, the wife who lost her spouse, but what about the coworkers of the spouse? How to cope with Disenfranchised Grief It’s important to provide acknowledgement and self-validate what you are feeling. Your thoughts and feelings serve a vital purpose in your healing. Recognize how you feel today because of the loss and what you need to do to move forward. Allow yourself to be with those feelings without judgment. Grief will look different for different people and there is no right or wrong. Some people may be more private, others may make art and memorialize their loss in creative and meaningful ways. [4] Healing does not mean that the grieving ever goes away, that loss will forever be part of us, but perhaps, as we heal, it will take up less space as it ebbs and flows throughout our day to day. News Articles A Nonheroic Cancer Narrative: Body Deterioration, Grief, Disenfranchised Grief, and Growth Cancer narratives are a phenomenological source of insight allowing us to develop knowledge on personal and societal transitions in the self-identity of individuals with cancer as their lives are abruptly threatened by it. This study analyzes a nonheroic narrative focusing on Dan’s (pseudonym) grief and disenfranchised grief as his cancer progressed. It illustrates his growth in self-identity despite his body’s deterioration throughout his long hospitalization until death at the age of 33 years. Women, breast cancer survivorship, sexual losses, and disenfranchised grief – a treatment model for clinicians Women who have survived breast cancer often suffer from short-term and long-term sexual side effects due to the different treatments that they undergo. The sexual side effects and altered sexual self-schema can affect their quality of life significantly and may result in a deep sense of loss. However, their intimate partners, family, friends, health care providers, and psychotherapists may not acknowledge this ambiguous loss. Hence, grief related to their loss may be disenfranchised
a kind of grief that is precipitated by a loss that cannot be socially sanctioned, openly acknowledged, or publicly mourned. Experiences and Needs of African American Children and Adolescents in Supportive Care Roles for a Relative With Breast Cancer Family members and friends of cancer survivors share in the survivorship experience (National Cancer Institute, n.d.), have similar needs, and experience psychological distress not unlike that of diagnosed individuals. According to Weaver et al. (2010), an estimated 562,000 U.S. minor children live with a parent in the early stages of cancer treatment. Children and adolescents living with a parent with cancer desire knowledge about cancer, experience role changes, and rely on family and the community for communication and normalcy in their lives. Causes of Disenfranchised Grief Disenfranchised grief is a term used to name grief and mourning that society as a whole and/or a persons immediate family and friendship circle don't recognize as legitimate. The relationship to the person they lost isn't acknowledged or the impact of the loss is minimized. References: 1. Doka, K. J. (November 2018). Is there a right to grieve? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/good-mourning/201811/is-there-right-grieve 2. Tillman, D. (October 2013). Grief and loss weekly reflection paper. https://lifesjourney.us/ambiguous-loss-and-disenfranchised-grief/ 3. Marques, D. (October 2019). What is disenfranchised grief. https://www.happiness.com/magazine/health-body/disenfranchised-grief/ 4. Padilla de Front, D. & Mayner, D. (February 2020). Disenfranchised grief: what it is & how to cope. https://www.mindpathcare.com/blog/disenfranchised-grief-what-it-is-how-to-cope/ Find Survivingbreastcancer.org upcoming events covering these topics on our website.

"The Doctors said if we wanted children, I should visit a fertility clinic before surgery since chemo could make me sterile. I was unable to get to a fertility clinic before my surgery. Two days before my surgery, by the grace of God, we found out she was pregnant." ~Aubrey "I walked into a doctor’s office as a 50 year old male with no major illness and walked out a Breast Cancer patient. My journey takes me from first being embarrassed to now being empowered" ~ Michael "My husband, Marlyn Washburn, was like so many other men in that he did not know men could get breast cancer. In December of 2016, however, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. At the time of his diagnosis, his breast cancer had already metastasized into his liver, lungs, lymph nodes, bones, and brain." ~Patricia "A friend from the cancer community once called me a unicorn. When I asked her why, she replied “people say that men can get breast cancer, but you never see them in real life.” That is why I advocate for more awareness and to try to encourage more men to step forward and embrace the support systems that are already in place. The women are here for you! " ~Adam YES, THE WOMEN ARE HERE FOR YOU! I remember when one of our male breast cancer thrivers reached out to our community thinking I couldn't relate. I recall immediately the following dialogue: Me: Did you have chemotherapy? Him: Yes Me: Me too! Did you you have radiation? Him: Yes Me: Me too! What type of breast cancer do you have? Him: I was diagnosed stage IIB, ER/PR/HER2+ Me: Oh my gosh, me too! Sometimes as women we associate a breast cancer diagnosis with losing our hair or/and mourning the loss of our breasts and a piece of our femininity. While that is part of it, we have more in common with our male counterparts than we realize. When we get into the conversation about treatment, surgery, side effects and the mental trauma we all go through, we get it! We all get it! In the News: Breast Cancer Screening in High-Risk Men: A 12-year Longitudinal Observational Study of Male Breast Imaging Utilization and Outcomes To date, there are no randomized controlled trials showing sugar causes cancer. There is, however, an indirect link between sugar and cancer. Eating a lot of high sugar foods such as cakes, cookies, and sweetened beverages can contribute to excess caloric intake. This may lead to weight gain and excess body fat. Research has shown that being overweight or obese increases the risk of 11 types of cancers including colorectal, postmenopausal breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Borgen on Treatment Strategies for Male Breast Cancer The biology of breast cancer in male vs female patients has some differences, one being that virtually all male breast cancers are ductal; almost no incidence of lobular disease has been reported in these patients, Borgen says. Additionally, male breast cancers tend to be estrogen receptor (ER)positive and often progesterone receptor positive. This offers the opportunity to utilize several treatment Which medications are used in the treatment of male breast cancer? American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines recommend offering tamoxifen to men with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer who are candidates for adjuvant endocrine therapy. The initial treatment duration is 5 years; men who have completed 5 years of tamoxifen, have tolerated therapy, and still have a high risk of recurrence may be offered an additional 5 years of tamoxifen therapy. There have been, and continues to be, numerous studies that attempt to link the consumption of sugar to breast and other cancer(s). These myriad studies have investigated whether sugar ingestion contributes to breast cancer or further stimulates its growth. So, the question of whether or not sugar contributes to or feeds breast cancer cells remains unresolved at this time. Read More .

By, Candace Bloomstrand Every March we celebrate Women's History Month to commemorate the contributions that women have made in the United States and celebrate the specific achievements that women have made in a variety of fields over the course of history. For this #FeatureFriday , it seems only fitting that we highlight the amazing women who have made significant contributions to breast cancer research and advocacy. Evelyn Lauder You may recognize her name as being part of the Estee Lauder make-up empire, but Evelyn Lauder is also known for being a breast cancer activist, survivor and advocate. Lauder, along with SELF magazine editor Alexandra Penney, created the signature pink ribbon that we have all come to know as the international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Lauder helped establish the breast and diagnostic center at New York's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which is known today as the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center. Lauder also founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) in 1993, and has raised millions of dollars for breast cancer research. BCRF's mission is to rid the world of breast cancer and Lauder's vision has paved the way for a future with a cure. Diahann Carroll Diahann Carroll was an Oscar-nominated actress and singer who was best known for her pioneering role as the first African American woman to star in a non-servant role in the television series "Julia". Her worked in "Julia" earned Diahann a Golden Globe award and paved the way for African American woman to break down racial barriers in entertainment. In 1992, Diahann was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. From then on, Diahann committed herself to spreading breast cancer awareness, especially in minority communities. Her advocacy work involved visiting and speaking to Asian, African American and Latina women about the importance of routine mammograms and early detection. Diahann passed away in 2019, but her determination to educate women on the importance of early detection and prevention has saved countless lives. Susan Love, MD Dr. Love is a prominent breast cancer surgeon, advocate, and survivor who is widely regarded as one of the most revered women's health specialists in the United States. Dr. Love has been the driving force behind many major breast cancer advancements such as the use of a lumpectomy over mastectomy and the tracking and documenting of "collateral damage" in breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. She is also the author of the Breast Book editions, which have guided women through their breast cancer journeys and are known for being the "bible for women with breast cancer." Today, Dr. Love has her own foundation called the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research and their mission is to end breast cancer and improve the lives of people impacted by it now through education and advocacy. Robin Roberts Robin Roberts is the co-anchor for ABC's Good Morning America and a breast cancer survivor. In 2007, while covering a news story about early cancer detection, Roberts felt compelled to perform her own breast self-exam and discovered a lump. The lump turned out to be early-stage breast cancer and Roberts underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Now, Roberts inspires women everywhere with her slogan, "Make your Mess Your Message", a phrase she hopes will encourage women to find the meaning behind what they are going through. Mary-Claire King, PhD Mary-Claire King is an American geneticist who discovered the BRCA1 gene in 1990. This was a critical discovery because it showed that breast cancer is genetically inherited in some families and that a specific gene mutation could be attributed to breast cancer. Through her work, Dr. King has advanced the study of breast cancer genomics and offered a deeper understanding for why some women are at a higher risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer. Because of Dr. King and her work, high-risk patients can be screened and monitored early on, giving patients and their families peace of mind knowing that their situation is being managed proactively. 9 Inspiring Asian Celebrities Who Have Fought Against Breast Cancer Breast cancer does not discriminate. It can affect any woman regardless of age, with the risk increasing as you grow older. In Singapore, it is the most common cancer among women, and more than 25 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in women are breast cancer. We are paying homage to nine celebrities who have fought the disease and the efforts they made to raise awareness about breast cancer. Join us in applauding these inspiring women for overcoming the odds and speaking out for the cause. 22 Celebrities with Cancer It's harrowing to battle a disease and doing it in the public eye can be even more intense. But as these celebrity cancer survivors prove, opening up about battling health conditions can help destigmatize them. For these cancer survivors, talking about their experiences with cancer have helped create a conversation and build a network of support. Breast Cancer in Hispanic/Latina Women In the United States, the rate of breast cancer in Hispanic/Latina women is lower than in non-Hispanic white women. (The incidence is even less in Hispanic/Latina women who were not born in the country.) But those statistics can be deceiving. Not only is breast cancer the leading cause of cancer deaths in Hispanic/Latina women living in the U.S., as it is for all women in America, but the disease tends to affect these women at a younger age and is more aggressive in them than in many other populations. These 3 Celebrities Are Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer One in eight women will develop breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, so its not surprising when a celebrity-or someone you love-shares a breast cancer diagnosis. Thirty percent of early-stage breast cancer patients will eventually see this disease return as metastatic (or stage IV) cancer, meaning the disease has spread to other organs--and that stat stands in Hollywood, as well.

“Cause you know, I just can't stand To see, see you'all pushed around ‘Cause when things go wrong, Wrong with you, It hurts me too” (E James) Caregiving is a unique art form, unique in that all on the receiving end are different and are faced with their own personal, individual issues. Breast cancer presents many, many challenges to the patient and their caregiver. Just last evening a young caregiver paid a visit to our Thursday Night Thrivers Meet Up looking for advice. She came to the right space. The responses to her quest were sincere, full of love, hope, and assistance. From the young lady’s response she was glad to have come. But what are the characteristics for caregiving? After careful consideration we’ve determined the following: First off, recognize that there are many ways to help. Secondly, it is important to understand that caregiving is stressful. The caregiver needs to take care of themselves too. Third, understand that the primary caregivers are actually the oncology team working to save your loved one. Recognizing that you may be able to take notes at the ongoing medical visits (this was easier pre-COVID-19). You may also be able to ask questions of this team if you are allowed to attend. In the event that only the patient is allowed in due to the pandemic then wait patiently and record or take notes of the discussion as soon as the patient returns to you. Remember that Chemo Brain is real and that memory for a patient undergoing chemotherapy may represent a challenge. Show respect at all times to the patient. You are stressed but they are living “it.” Let the patient make the decisions. Offer to help, but mean it. Take responsibility for practical matters. Take pains to communicate fully. Express your love, desire to help, but give the patient space. As always let us know your thoughts and how you’d like to contribute to the discussion. Breaking down barriers to care for metastatic breast cancer patients “Battling metastatic cancer is difficult enough for any person, and we should be breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of providing the best care possible,” said lead author AJ Scheitler , director of stakeholder relations at the health policy research center. “Our work aims to offer state-level policy solutions that should be further explored.” Read More . How life could get better for working parents and caregivers -- in the long run People who care for other people do so without needed support in the way of paid leave or affordable and reliable paid care for the young, old, ill and disabled. And professional caregivers themselves don't make enough money to properly care for their own families. Read More . Faces of Love: Cancer Caregivers People who care for other people do so without needed support in the way of paid leave or affordable and reliable paid care for the young, old, ill and disabled. And professional caregivers themselves don't make enough money to properly care for their own families. Read More . Caring for ill husband, woman reveals exhausting reality of unpaid caregivers During the crisis, on my drive from the hospital to home, I would sometimes think, “God, I could just get out of here” because the relentless pressure of every single day and the very painful sight of Brad being so sick added up to a wish for escape. In reality, I didn't want to actually leave my children and abandon everything. But it was a tempting fantasy. Read Mor e .

As we enter LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, we want to take the next few weeks to highlight this community and the unique experiences they may face after a breast cancer diagnosis. LGBTQIA+ includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual individuals. This week, we turn our focus specifically to lesbian women diagnosed with breast cancer. According to Ulrike Boehmer , this demographic has been found to be at a higher risk for several types of cancer, including breast cancer, due to higher smoking and alcohol use as compared to national averages. However, research has shown that when lesbian women are diagnosed with breast cancer, they report better mental health due to strong social support. Below, you'll find research about how breast cancer uniquely affects the lesbian community, what providers are doing to change and improve the culture and treatment for this demographic, and ways to connect with others with shared experiences. We hope that SurvivingBreastCancer.org can be one of these outlets for you to connect , and we welcome our LGBTQIA+ members during Pride Month and all year long. As always, let us know your thoughts and how you’d like to contribute to the discussion. A Silent Epidemic? Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Women Receive Less Post-Cancer Treatment Than Everyone Else A 2019 study by Ulrike Boehmer , a Boston University School Professor of Public Health, found that women who identify as lesbian or bisexual have less access to post-cancer care, as compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Care after cancer treatment is extremely important to screen for recurrences and long-term effects of cancer treatment. This, along with the fact that "compared to the national average, people who identify as LGBT have substantially higher rates of obesity, smoking, and alcohol use—all known risk factors for cancer," is very troubling. However, Boehmer hopes that by continuing research on the subject, she may bring to light a hidden epidemic. Read More . Queer Women Breast Cancer Survivors & Reconstruction Decisions Some studies have shown that lesbians diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those in relationships, report better mental health than heterosexual women with breast cancer. Having a strong support network of one's partner and friends can help encourage healthy coping behavior. "Lesbians reported less denial coping, and more use of support from friends, more venting, and more positive reframing." Additional reports have found that female breast cancer patients with female partners who are involved in decision-making and caregiving had better health outcomes and less fear of recurrence. Read More . Support Group Resources Since having a strong support network has been shown to improve mental health during and after treatment, here is a roundup of some online support groups specifically for lesbians with breast cancer: Lesbian Cancer Survivors and Caregivers SurvivingBreastCancer.org and ABCD Our own organization, in partnership with ABCD, offers personalized mentor-matching services to connect survivors with similar life and breast cancer experiences. National LGBT Cancer Project SurvivingBreastCancer.org also offers a wide range of support groups . From Disparities To Disclosure: A Discussion On Lesbians and Breast Cancer This interview, with Dr. Penelope Damaskos of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, dives into some of the fears and stigma lesbians with breast cancer may face, and how providers can address this to help change culture. "How patients are questioned about their lives and partners, without making assumptions, will go a long way toward making lesbian women feel understood by their healthcare providers and ultimately more open." Read More.

Tomorrow, June 19th, is also known as Juneteenth. This holiday marks the date in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform enslaved Black people that slavery had formally been abolished, nearly 3 full years after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in September of 1962. While the day has been recognized as an official state holiday in Texas since 1980, it is increasingly observed throughout the country and activists are pushing for Congress to make it a national holiday. As activism surrounding antiracism has seen a reinvigorated effort, particularly over the past year, and Juneteenth becomes ever more widely recognized and celebrated, we felt this week's Feature Friday was an especially necessary time to address white privilege in breast cancer. White and Black women have similar rates of breast cancer diagnosis, 13% and 12% respectively ( Susan G. Komen ), yet Black women are nearly twice as likely to die from breast cancer ( Cancer Cytopathology ). This disparity is truly an outrage. In the articles below, we explore the inequalities and structural racism that have led to this, as well as the work that researchers and doctors are doing to change this. As always, let us know your thoughts and how you’d like to contribute to the discussion. How Structural Racism Can Kill Cancer Patients Chicago's Center for Community Health Equity, a partnership between Rush University Medical Center and DePaul University, is pairing medical researchers with social scientists to take a more holistic approach to identifying and removing barriers to cancer care. A collaborative approach, Dr. David Ansell says, can help to zero in on often invisible but important variables such as differences in the quality of care by race. In addition, poverty and isolation can knock out critical social supports that help patients to get through medical treatments. For minority communities, one key difference is the way in which poverty is concentrated within specific neighborhoods. In Chicago, Dr. Ansell says, women who are poor, are minorities, or are on public insurance are 40% less likely to live near a breast-imaging center of excellence than their white counterparts. Instead, hospitals and clinics that serve minority neighborhoods are often underfunded and unable to keep up with advances or new recommendations. Read More . Too Many Black Women Die From Breast Cancer. Why? In 1995, The Black Women's Health Study (BWHS), a partnership between Boston University and Howard University's medical schools, launched as the largest ever long-term study of the health of Black women. Today, the study, the nation’s largest and longest running examination of black women’s health, is still going. One finding of the study is that Black women are more likely than women of other races to be diagnosed with difficult-to-treat ER-negative breast cancer. Researchers, however, are still trying to understand why. Data from the study is now being used to examine both the genetic factors at play, as well as uncover which environmental factors might be most potent at tipping the breast cancer odds. Carrying extra fat around the middle, getting pregnant for the first time later in life, having more children, and forgoing breastfeeding are all linked with a higher risk of getting ER-negative breast cancer before age 45. Epidemiologist Kimberly Bertrand is encouraged with this discovery, as breastfeeding and body fat percentages are potentially modifiable behaviors. Read More . Black Women With Cancer Are Treated Differently To White Women. Fact. Let's Change That. Leanne Pero is the founder of Black Women Rising, a support group for Black women with breast cancer. In this interview with Glamour magazine, she addresses the challenges she and her peers have faced throughout their experiences with breast cancer. The racial bias and lack of support come from all sides- both from medical professionals and from family and friends. A 2016 study found that many medical students were approaching their patients with an underlying and unconscious bias that influenced how they measured and distributed pain relief. Leanne recounts "A sad story came through one of our support groups, recently. One of our ladies had been told her hospital was providing holistic treatments for cancer patients. But when she went to access it, she was told it wasn't for her. Only when she pointed out that she was a person going through cancer [exactly who the holistic treatment was designed for] was she offered it, reluctantly." While that's just one example, Leanne says those kinds of attitudes are typical. Leanne goes on to say how there is a sense of shame around cancer diagnoses for Black women. “Black women have been told cancer ‘isn’t a black disease’ or that it’s karma or a curse for something we’ve done in the past. The worst thing is lots of women have been told not to get chemotherapy or life saving drugs, because it’s ungodly.” She hopes that by creating open and encouraging conversations about breast cancer among Black women, she can help change the culture and some of the stigma around seeking treatment and social support. She wants other Black women to feel represented in the breast cancer support community. Read More. Why Black Women Are More Likely Than White Women To Die Of Breast Cancer Some hospitals hire navigators to help guide poor and minority women through the process of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Equal Hope, an organization in Chicago (formerly the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force), is one such group of navigators. Equal Hope offers uninsured women free access to primary care doctors and to breast and cervical cancer screenings, plus follow-up care if needed. Retha Cooper is one of these nurse-navigators and reaches out to patients whenever they receive an abnormal mammogram. “Community hospitals can do mammograms and simple biopsies, but they’re not equipped to do chemotherapy or radiation,” Cooper said. “It’s my responsibility to make sure they’re followed up in a timely manner, and to encourage them to have any follow-up treatment in a comprehensive cancer center.” Chicago is one of the most segregated cities in the US, and has historically had one of the worst disparities in breast cancer outcomes between Black and White women. Equal Hope's Executive Director, Anne Marie Murphy, cites the higher levels of stress and pollution that Black Chicagoans face as a key contributor to their higher rates of health problems. Starting with breast cancer, Equal Hope aims to close this racial health gap. The disparity of breast cancer death rates in Chicago is now down from 62% in 2008, to 32%, which is well below the national average of 43%. Murphy believes Equal Hope's model can be applied to other American cities with large Black populations. Read Mor e.

Summer is in full swing at this point! And with COVID restrictions lifting across the country, many people are excited to get together with friends and family for Independence Day parties, beach days, and backyard cookouts. Plus, many employees are returning to in-person work. But after so much time spent keeping to ourselves for our own health and that of others, it's natural to need some time to readjust to a packed schedule. Below are some recommendations on how to ease into post-COVID life. The 7 Types of Rest We might be most familiar with needing physical rest, such as after a hard workout or needing a good night's sleep, or mental rest like when you're tired of thinking after a busy day of work. But did you know there are actually 7 types of rest we need? Especially as we start spending time around more and more people, you might need more social or sensory rest. This idea was popularized by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, which you can learn more about in her popular TED talk . Then you can take this quiz to learn what type(s) of rest you need most right now. Read More. Post-Pandemic Anxiety: Feeling Stressed as Things Return to Normal Dr. Soo Jeong Youn, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, offers a few suggestions of how to ease back in to seeing more people again: Start slow: Gradually work up to meeting with larger groups, starting with one on ones. Follow all COVID safety protocols like distancing and wearing masks, but begin interacting with people at a pace that is right for you to help lessen anxiety. Know and maintain boundaries: Friends and family may have different comfort levels with different activities than you may have. In these cases, it is important to know your boundaries and clearly communicate them. These boundaries may shift depending on the situation and relationship, but the hope is that you are with people who will understand and come to an agreement on safety. Read More. 4 Tips to Help Ease Post-Pandemic Reentry Anxiety Along with clearly communicating your comfort levels for socializing and slowly building up to meeting with larger groups, making a list of things you are excited to get back to can help. "Writing things down can help reframe uncertainty as excitement, and help you focus on what you're looking forward to instead of stress and anxiety. This might also be the time where you reflect on things you don't miss or things that you started during the last year that you want to continue." Read More. If you do choose to host or attend a 4th of July party this weekend, look at is as an opportunity to give back as well! If you're running in our Coast-2-Coast for Breast Cancer fundraiser, this can be a great chance to fundraise or ask family and friends to pledge money for your logged miles. Here are some ideas of how you can use the holiday weekend to fundraise.

Journaling can be a powerful tool to process one’s thoughts and emotions. You may choose to write just for yourself whereby you can work through your thoughts privately. Or you might want to use a journal to jot down ideas that you may wish to expound upon with a therapist . Then again you might want craft a story, take down notes at a doctor's visit, or compose a poem or song, as part of a legacy . There is no one "right" way to journal. On some days you might have more time and inclination to write several pages, and other days it may be as simple as jotting down a note to show what you are grateful for that day. Based on our recent Survivingbreastcancer.org social media poll, 31% of our online social media community is already journaling. Some journal daily, some weekly, and some journal only when they need it. Many turn to journaling for release, to ease stress, to recognize gratitude, and to work through tough feelings. Research (see below) shows that there can be long term positive effects to journaling. At Survivingbreastcancer.org we urge all to think about capturing thoughts and emotions in a way that just may contribute to yours, and others, better emotional and physiological health. From SurvivingBreastCancer.org A Space For Expressive Writing with Thomas September 27th | 6:00 - 7:30 PM EST A wellness writing workshop for those looking to recover clarity amidst uncertainty, experience community, and reduce stress through self-expression. Join Us. Breast Cancer Poems Poetry can be a form of journaling. Get inspired by some of our community's poems and submit your own! Read More. Podcast Episode #123. Creative Projects For Leaving A Legacy with Keri Lynn Turney Content Across The Web Journaling Your Way Through Cancer ( MD Anderson Cancer Center ) Research shows that taking as little as 20 minutes a month for 3 months, to write, will produce long lasting benefits to your physical and emotional health. Journaling can help you sleep better, reduce fatigue and help you adjust psychologically to a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Look for the positive: Journaling can help you identify positive situations or events that have unfolded due to your cancer diagnosis. You may have been reunited with a loved one, received an outpouring of support from friends, co-workers and family, or been able to warn others about dangerous lifestyle habits. Documenting these areas in writing may help you explore and appreciate them more. Look for what you can control: Journaling can also help you map out and decide what things you can and do have control over and how you can use that knowledge in your life. Find peace in your relationships: Journaling privately can even help with your day-to-day social interactions. Disclosing your deepest feelings in writing might prepare you to have a difficult conversation with a loved one, or it might allow you to simply enjoy your time together without worrying about nagging negative thoughts. Read More. Journaling ( BreastCancer.org ) While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence of how journaling improves mood, there have been few formal studies on its benefits for people diagnosed with cancer. One small 2002 study, conducted at the University of Kansas, followed 60 women with early-stage breast cancer who had just completed their treatment. The women were divided into 3 writing groups: One group was asked to write their deepest thoughts and feelings about breast cancer, including hopes of recovery and fears of dying. The second was to focus on the positive things that had happened during the breast cancer experience. The third group was to simply report the facts about their treatment. After 3 months, the first two groups, who wrote about their emotions, reported one-third fewer symptoms and medical appointments than the group whose writing was limited to the facts. Results of this study depended on how the women were coping before they started writing: The women who tended to avoid thinking about having breast cancer improved more from focusing their writing on the positive thoughts and feelings that had arisen during their experience and had significantly fewer doctor visits for cancer-related issues. The women who expressed the full range of their thoughts and feelings about having breast cancer reported significantly fewer negative physical symptoms and had significantly fewer doctor visits for cancer-related issues Although this study showed encouraging results, more studies will need to be done to determine which types of patients will benefit the most from emotional expression in writing. Read More. The Healing Power of Journaling Your Way Through Cancer ( GoodTherapy ) "Many people report that even during times when they couldn’t seem to get “unstuck” from a feeling or problem by writing about it, the act of simply externalizing it and dumping it off in the journal was helpful. It can also be beneficial to look back at your process and progress along this cancer experience—to see the strides you’ve made in regaining some of your physical strength and in reclaiming your sense of purpose through looking at those old journals. It can give you a sense of pride to see where you started out at diagnosis and where you’ve come to post-treatment. Life is always a work in progress, but being able to examine your growth through a difficult time in your life is empowering." Read More. Healing With Words: Journaling and Reflecting Throughout Treatment ( Cancer Care ) "Writing about your cancer experience from the earliest stages of your diagnosis will enable you to retrace your steps and reconnect with the emotions you went through. You will be able to look back on your journey and remember how you were able to cope and keep moving forward. Seeing the progress you have made through difficult and frightening times can be inspiring and motivating." "Only you can know if journaling is a positive outlet for you. If writing causes you more upset than relief or is causing you to feel overwhelmed, perhaps take a break and find another activity that brings you comfort during this challenging time. Writing can be an important and helpful tool in your healing, but it is not the only method of support. An oncology social worker can help find other ways to cope for anyone affected by cancer." Read More.

We are reaching the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but as we all know, that doesn’t mean that breast cancer stops. Throughout the month, we’ve seen the ubiquitous pink ribbons, along with the tricolor pink, teal, and green MBC ribbons, and recognized specific awareness days like Going Flat Day on October 7th and MBC Awareness Day on October 13th. But how can we continue to bring awareness (and action) to breast cancer, take control of our own health, and advocate for more research on MBC so that we can find a cure, beyond October? Here are ten steps you can take any time of year: Ask your doctor about breast density Learn your family’s medical history Schedule your annual mammogram Do monthly self-exams of your breasts. Familiarize yourself with what they feel like, so you’ll notice if something feels different. Do your research about what exactly brands mean when they say “a portion of profits” go to breast cancer research or awareness. Become a patient advocate; there are wonderful training programs such as Project Lead or the Hear My Voice Metastatic Advocacy Program . Connect with our community on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter . If you are a friend or family member of someone with breast cancer, ask them how you can support them during this time? Perhaps they’d appreciate you driving them to a doctor's appointment, cooking a nourishing freezer-friendly meal, or babysitting their kids so they can have some time to rest. Organize or participate in a breast cancer research fundraiser any time of year, not just October. Remember that for some, the added focus on breast cancer throughout October can be upsetting and exhausting , bringing painful memories and emotions to the forefront. It’s okay to be glad that the month is over if breast cancer awareness month is a difficult time for you. From SurvivingBreastCancer.org Podcast Ep. #127. Pink Culture and Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Bridging the gap between 0 - 4 In today's episode we speak with a panel of women who were diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, early stage breast cancer that metastasized, and women diagnosed with MBC de Novo. This raw and candid conversation provides education to the masses about breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer, and what the breast cancer community wants you to know about October. Listen Now. From Around The Web No Half Measures (Personal Blog) On her blog, No Half Measures: Living Out Loud, Abigail Johnston, a lawyer and mom of two young boys, shares daily posts about the reality of what it is like living with metastatic breast cancer. Breast cancer and MBC are a reality for so many people every day, not just in October. Read More. Breast Cancer Awareness After October Ends ( Walnut Hill OBGYN ) This article shares how you can continue the breast cancer awareness all year long. In addition to fundraising and bringing awareness to the condition, they also highlight healthy lifestyle habits to lessen the risk of developing breast cancer in the first place. While we can’t change some risk factors like genetics or age, “there are a number of very simple ways that you can counteract the risk factors: Refrain from smoking. Exercise Eat healthy” Read More. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month Draws To A Close, Think Before You Pink ( GBH News ) “​​Nobody knows better than advocates and breast cancer survivors that fundraising for breast cancer research is critically important. The millions raised during the last 36 years since Breast Cancer Awareness month began have funded research that led to advances in diagnosis and treatment. But if potential donors want to ensure that their monetary gift reaches the organization they want to support, they have got to pay attention; sadly, they cannot assume best intentions even if the cause is worthy.” Read More. Breast Cancer Awareness Doesn’t End in October (Cleveland Clinic) Dr. Jame Abraham, a breast cancer doctor, shares how he and his patients are fighting breast cancer every day, not just in October. He also reflects on how the disease is viewed differently in the US and other countries. “I frequently travel back and forth now between the U.S and India, where I attended medical school and where the public acceptance of cancer and the taboo of a cancer diagnosis are glaringly different. During my travels, I am reminded of the strength of pink in October and am thankful for the power of public advocacy. Public advocacy increases awareness, breaks the taboo of cancer diagnosis, and creates a national dialogue.” Read More.

For most women, our breasts, bodies, and sensuality are topics that we’ve received many mixed messages on throughout our lives. Add in the physical and emotional changes that a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment bring, and it’s no wonder that returning to physical intimacy with a partner is a steep challenge. Emotions about the loss of your breast(s), insecurities about appearance, physical changes resulting from surgery, or hormonal changes like lower libido and vaginal dryness, all contribute to changes in how women may view their sensuality after diagnosis. Sexuality-related issues tend to be underestimated in clinical practice, and the impairment of sexual function can negatively influence the QOL of these women ( Tozatti et at, 2021 ). According to a 2020 study by Mattei et al., titled “The Long-Term Effects of Cancer Treatment on Sexuality and Couple Relationships,” 75% of patients qualified for sexual dysfunction as measured by the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) global scale, and 71.9% declared they were not adequately informed about the side effects of treatments on sexuality. The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction [in those diagnosed with breast cancer] underlines the need for specific attention being paid to this problem, starting with a complete and targeted communication between patients and health providers regarding these side effects.” Physical intimacy is an important part of many relationships. We recognize that intimacy and sexuality encompass so much more than just sex. You can connect to these aspects of yourself and your relationship through other forms of physical intimacy (kissing, cuddling, massage, etc.) and emotionally, but I do not believe our breast cancer community is going to settle. We are grateful to be alive, yes, and we want quality of life. Read on for more on how to reconnect with your sensuality, and how your partner and healthcare team can help you as well. From SurvivingBreastCancer.org Breast Cancer and Sexual Intimacy “If your sex life is not working the way you want it to, your doctor or nurse may be able to referee these issues with your partner and you. You can cue your doctor in advance, since he or she has most likely already touched on delicate issues with you. Maybe he or she can be the tour guide for the two of you. If your partner is there when you talk with the doctor who's managing your care, you and your partner both get a chance to air and dispel fears, and replace myths and false information with facts. Not all doctors and nurses are comfortable discussing sexual issues and practices. Most doctors don't routinely ask about your sex life. And patients don't usually begin to discuss their love life with a doctor who hasn't mentioned it. Nobody's talking! Read More. From Around The Web Women's Guide to Sexuality During & After Cancer Treatment ( UPenn OncoLink ) “Can I have sex during treatment? There are a few factors that determine if sexual activity is safe during treatment: In general, sexual activity is fine during treatment as interest, energy, and comfort levels allow. Women may not feel up to sexual intimacy after surgeries or during chemo and radiation. Hugging, holding hands, and massages may feel good and be comforting. If you have a low white blood cell count or low platelet count (concern arises with platelets below 50,000), you will need to refrain from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This is because there is an increased risk of infection or bleeding when your counts are low. If you have mouth sores (mucositis), you should not perform oral sex. Do not have vaginal intercourse if you have open sores on the genitals or in the vagina. There are certain chemotherapies that caution you about becoming pregnant while on treatment and for a specific amount of time after treatment is done. See the package insert for your chemotherapy or ask your pharmacist for this information.” Read More. Intimacy After Breast Cancer ( Fox Chase Cancer Center ) “After breast cancer treatment, women often have complex emotions about visible scars, loss of sensation, or losing your breasts or nipples. ‘Learning some self-compassion is important,’ said Jennifer Barsky Reese, PhD , a psychologist and behavioral scientist at Fox Chase Cancer Center who studies breast cancer and sexuality. ‘It may take a while to become adjusted to those changes. These types of concerns are very common, and for many women they may improve over time. If you’re having significant trouble adjusting, it could be useful to visit with someone about those concerns. For instance, if you notice yourself avoiding looking at your body, looking at your body too much or in a judgmental way, or if your body image is interfering with your sex life, mood, or relationships, these may be signs that it could be helpful to deal with these issues head-on.’ Talk to a health care provider who you feel comfortable discussing these kinds of topics with. Counselors or sex therapists could also be helpful, depending on your needs. ... Some women with breast cancer are treated with chemotherapy or hormonal therapies that may cause symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness or tightness. Over-the-counter products such as vaginal lubricants for use with sexual activity and vaginal moisturizers that are used regularly whether or not sexual activity is happening can help with vaginal dryness, and these are available at your nearest pharmacy.” Read More. Sex after breast cancer ( Breast Cancer Now) “Tips for getting back to sex: Start afresh: Try not to compare things now to how they were before you were diagnosed with breast cancer. It can take time and patience to adapt to the changes resulting from breast cancer. Explore your body: It can be useful to explore your body on your own first. You may wish to use your fingers or a vibrator. You may find using a vaginal lubricant helpful. This can help you discover what kind of touch is still pleasant or where it is painful. Don’t rush: Taking things slowly at first may help. Think about what kind of level of intimacy you feel comfortable with and how much energy you have. There may be practical things to consider, such as taking pain relief if necessary. Wear what makes you comfortable: Some women may feel uncomfortable naked and choose to wear nightwear. Others wear a prosthesis and bra to bed. It’s important to do whatever makes you feel more comfortable and relaxed, even if this makes intimacy or sex less spontaneous. How you feel about having your breasts touched after treatment is very personal. You may want your partner to touch the area that was treated, or you may not want any touching at all. Some women don’t want their partner to touch the breast that wasn’t treated if it reminds them of the loss of the other one. Your partner may also feel differently about touching your breasts after treatment. It may be helpful to tell your partner what sort of touching you want or don’t want. If you find talking about it embarrassing, you could use your hand to guide them. How you feel about having your breasts touched may change over time.” Read More. Overcoming physical and emotional roadblocks to intimacy after breast cancer ( Cancer Treatment Centers of America ) Traci Owen, RN, BSN, CSC, SE, Oncology Sexual Health Specialist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), Tulsa shares some of the common concerns and challenges that women experience around intimacy after breast cancer, as well as what healthcare providers can do to help their patients through this transition. ... “‘During treatment, a woman's breasts are touched by a lot of medical professionals—the surgeon, plastic surgeon, radiation team, medical oncologist, and the physical therapy team,’ says Owen. ‘Suddenly what is typically a private and sensual part of the body becomes a clinical body part, and there can be trauma attached to that exposure. As healthcare professionals, we need to be aware of the vulnerability many of our patients are feeling in these physical exposures of clinical care. Early in the woman’s treatment I want to initiate a conversation about breast touch, what it has meant in the past, what it means in the moment, and ask her if it is mentally and physically acceptable for her partner to touch the breasts in a sensual way at this time.’ she says. ‘For many women during their time on active treatment, they are not connecting their breasts to thoughts of physical intimacy and may not want their partner to touch their chest. I find it helps for the partner to have some perspective about why sensual touch may be a struggle.’ If the woman decides that the breasts are a no-fly zone, Owen suggests the woman have a gentle conversation with her partner about her feelings and consider wearing a camisole to cover her breasts. The cami can serve as a reminder to her partner not to touch that area, while also providing the woman with ‘a sense of a protective shield.’” Read More.

One in eight women in the US will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. There are many different types of breast cancer. The type of breast cancer is often determined by where the cancer started in your breast, if it’s spread. Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastatic Triple-negative is a breast cancer subtype that tests negative for estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptors 2 (HER2)—receptors commonly found on other breast cancer cells. Until recently, because most approved therapies that target those three receptors didn’t work, triple-negative breast cancer was difficult to treat. Metastatic breast cancer means cancer spreads beyond the breast to one or more other areas such as bones or other vital organs, including the liver, lungs, and brain. The tumor divides quickly, grows, and proliferates with a higher chance of metastases, making TNBC extremely aggressive. Facts About Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Breast cancer is diagnosed based on the presence or absence of three receptors that drive the development and growth of breast cancer: estrogen, progesterone, and HER2-neu. Triple-negative breast cancer is diagnosed when there is a negative pathology for all three receptors. Triple-negative breast cancer occurs most often in women ages 40 to 50 (younger than the average age of other forms of breast cancer), African American and Hispanic women, and those with BRCA1 mutations. Triple-negative breast cancer is more aggressive than other forms of breast cancer, making it more likely to spread to other organs and recur after treatment. Traditionally, triple-negative breast cancer is typically treated with a combination of therapies, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, but new treatment options such as immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and ACD’s are all actively being explored. Approximately 10-15 percent of breast cancers are triple-negative. Promising Emerging Therapies Recently, several new treatment options have become available, and others are on the horizon. New treatments include immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and the antibody-drug conjugate Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan). In addition, in 2019, atezolizumab, a form of immunotherapy targeting triple-negative breast cancers with PDL1 mutations, was the first approved targeted therapy in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Recently, the DESTINY-breast04 trial has had great success with a new antibody-drug conjugate known as trastuzumab deruxtecan. They found that compared to standard chemotherapy, those given the new treatment had about a four month increase in median progression-free survival, as well as a longer overall survival. Their data was recently presented at the 2022 ASCO Annual meeting, and was one of the most promising new therapies featured. A similar study examining an antibody-drug conjugate known as the TROPiCS-2 study, was also featured at the meeting, as were results from a third study, the DetermaIO , which looked at immune checkpoint inhibitors in six cancer types, including triple-negative breast cancer. Researchers are also considering if targeting cancer stem cells, or cancer cells with stem-cell like gene expression would be a viable option. One such study looked specifically at a gene called DOT1L, and used a molecule named EPZ-5676 to inhibit it in different triple-negative breast cancer cell lines and organoid models. They found that not only did DOT1L act on many cell survival pathways that contributed to the growth of cancer cells, but inhibiting the gene also seemed to inhibit cell and tumor growth. While therapies like these still need to undergo animal and human testing, it’s exciting to see potential new treatment options emerging. Additionally, other types of drugs and regimens are currently being studied, including drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the androgen receptor pathway, and regimens that combine PARP inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and other types of drugs. As many immunotherapies are still actively being developed and studied, some patients may experience some unexpected side effects from immunotherapies. In order to combat this, ASCO has an informational document for patients which highlights the NCCN guidelines of potential adverse reactions from immunotherapies, and when to be concerned about them. However, if you are experiencing significant side effects or are concerned about the efficacy or safety of a newer treatment, it’s always best to consult your doctor or a medical professional about your concerns, as they will be able to best advise you about your treatment plan. We are always working closely with you, our SBC members and the scientist, researchers, and medical oncologists to advocate and be the voice for our needs and quality of life! Learn more about metastatic triple-negative breast cancer with some resources from SBC: Triple Negative Breast Cancer In Your 20's and 30's Trodelvy (Sacituzumab Govitecan) for Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treat, Scan, Repeat: Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Recently, baby formula has been extremely difficult to find. While this has been an issue since May, the problem likely won’t be solved in the near future: in fact, some sources say it is only going to get worse . In short, the United States simply does not have enough supply for the demands of the population, and this problem is only heightened by the fact that there are only three manufacturers of baby formula in the US, along with stringent FDA regulations and company monopolies on low-income supply in each state. So, where does that leave parents who cannot breastfeed their children? While breastfeeding is protective against breast cancer, for those who are undergoing or who have already undergone breast cancer treatment and can no longer breastfeed, the ongoing formula shortage is another issue to worry about during an already stressful time. In order to help combat this, we have a selection of articles that more fully explain the shortage, what it’s like to be a new parent while dealing with breast cancer, and some resources that might be able to help. The infant formula shortage and the breast cancer community This comprehensive breakdown of the formula shortage from Living Beyond Breast Cancer has a timeline of how the crisis began, why it’s happening, and how mothers with breast cancer are responding. Dr. Helen Coons, a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a member of the advisory board at LBBC, notes that “There is inordinate pressure to breastfeed in the United States, and some women are treated as ‘lesser’ or feel criticized and marginalized for using formula”, and these sentiments seem to be compounded by the lack of formula availability. This is especially an issue for low-income families who may not have as much access to formula sources. If you’re experiencing difficulty getting access to formula, LBBC recommends reaching out to your pediatrician, milk banks or milk sharing groups, and getting support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Read More Breast milk banks get surge in calls from parents amid baby formula shortage Breast milk banks are one of the main alternative sources of nourishment for babies that cannot be breastfed, and with formula being difficult to get, banks are becoming increasingly busy with the demand for milk. While they try to prioritize premature or medically fragile infants, they are also supplying milk for full-term or healthy children as well. Parents are reaching out in the hopes that the banks will be able to help solve some of the worries being created when trying to feed their child, and the banks are doing everything they can to support them. Read More Breastfeeding while fighting breast cancer: What you should know This informational resource has statistics on how breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer in women, but also how breastfeeding may complicate cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. Chemotherapy often delays breastfeeding, as the treatments could potentially be passed to the baby in breastmilk. Additionally, breast cancer treatments may also limit breast milk production, leaving the parents more dependent on formula or donor milk to feed their child. Read More Milk Banks and Other Resources Milk banks are a great way for those who are able to donate their excess milk so that children who are in need of it can benefit. In the U.S. and in Canada, the Human Milk Banking Association of America has 31 locations where parents can give or request milk. Especially for those battling breast cancer while pregnant, Hope for Two is a support website that connects women with another facing the same type of cancer. They have informational content and stories from other women, and aim to provide a sense of community and understanding during a difficult time. We hope that these resources will be able to add some context to the situation, or provide some much needed information to those struggling. If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant and would like to share your story, we’d love to hear about it! You can see some other breast cancer stories from our readers here . And for those looking for additional support, try downloading the SurvivingBreastCancer.org app , where we have community discussion boards and private groups so that you can connect with others in a similar situation and get peer to peer support.

On June 24th, the Supreme Court voted 5-3 to overturn both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in their ruling on the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization . In essence, the ruling returned the decision to allow and provide abortions to the individual states rather than being upheld as a constitutionally protected procedure for all states. While some states will continue to uphold this right, others have already enacted bans on abortion, and many will do so in the coming weeks and months. At SurvivingBreastCancer.org, we understand that while some may be supportive of this ruling, others are shocked, saddened, or afraid, especially when it so directly affects many women’s reproductive freedoms. No matter where your opinion may fall, our main goal is to provide support for you during your breast cancer journey so that you can make informed decisions about your health. Below, we have compiled a collection of resources about abortion and breast cancer and how Dobbs v. Jackson may affect those seeking cancer treatment. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, ending right to abortion upheld for decades NPR summarizes the main points from Justice Alito’s opinion, which defines the new sets of guidelines regarding abortion within the U.S, along with the concurring opinion made by Justice Clarence Thomas and the dissenting opinion made by Justices Stephen Breyer Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. The article additionally explains the legislation changes happening within individual states, and how future legal battles may begin regarding people traveling across state lines to get abortions. If you want to know more about the legal background of the ruling, Read More . Abortion and Breast Cancer Risk: Position Statement This literature review from National Breast Cancer Coalition tackles an older belief that getting an abortion increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Citing both older, less reliable studies as well as a few newer studies with more rigorous follow-up, they note that the newer studies find no significant association between abortion and breast cancer development. Additionally, many medical associations such as the National Cancer Institute and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have stated that there likely is no increased risk of cancer following an abortion. Read More What the Reversal Of Roe v. Wade Could Mean for Cancer Patients? A Lot More Than You Might Think While you might not think abortion rights relate directly to cancer, for some people, having the ability to get an abortion could directly impact their treatment. Given that on average, 1 out of 1000 pregnant people per year receive a cancer diagnosis, and some cancer treatments are not advisable, or even forbidden, during pregnancy, for those that need an abortion to receive treatment, the ruling severely limits their options. Additionally, some cancer treatments can cause gestational trophoblastic diseases, which do not produce viable pregnancies and often require abortion to save the patient’s life. And for those looking for fertility options post-cancer, the ruling may even affect procedures where embryos are frozen, such as with IFV. In essence, the ruling severely limits a woman’s ability to advocate for her health, and this could unfairly target cancer patients with a uterus. Read More For Doctors, Abortion Restrictions Create an ‘Impossible Choice’ When Providing Care This resource reveals the challenges that healthcare providers may face when challenged by the new abortion requirements, especially in states that have totally outlawed abortion except when the health of the pregnant person is imminently at risk. Dr. Lisa Harris, an OB-GYN and professor at the University of Michigan says, “There are many conditions [where as] pregnancy progresses, it puts enormous stress on all of the body's organ systems – the heart, the lungs, the kidneys. So they may be fine right now – there's no life-threatening emergency now – but three or four or five months from now, they may have life-threatening consequences." To Harris and many other healthcare providers, the laws are vague, and test the ethics of “Do No Harm” while still remaining legal: at what point is the patient immenently at risk, and is it right to potentially risk lives in waiting to get there? Read More We hope that these resources explain the Supreme Court ruling a bit further as well as its potential consequences, specifically in regards to your breast cancer journey. For those looking for additional support, the SurvivingBreastCancer.org app has community discussion boards and private groups so that you can connect with others and get peer to peer support.

Sleep is critical for good health. Studies show that people who don’t get good quality sleep may be at risk for many diseases and disorders, from heart disease and stroke to obesity and dementia. In addition to offering preventative benefits, sleep is often touted as a miracle cure, helping the body recover from illness and surgery. The research suggests that most cells in our body work harder when we're awake. However, a recent study from Switzerland found that breast cancer cells may be the exception, spreading faster while the body and mind rest. ​​The acceleration of cancer cells affects how breast cancer metastisizes. Metastases occur when circulating cancer cells break away from the original tumor, travel through the body via blood vessels, and form new tumors in other organs. Cancer is more challenging to treat once it metastasizes. Before this study, researchers thought tumors released circulating cells all the time. Sleep Is Not the Enemy As startling as this news is, researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to investigate the findings. Until further information is available, sleep should not be thought of as the enemy of people with breast cancer. The results have not proven that breast cancer patients don’t need sleep or should get less sleep. On the contrary, not getting enough sleep can be detrimental to people with cancer, and some studies have shown that less than seven hours of sleep per night may be linked to a higher risk of death. Disrupting the Body’s Circadian Rhythms The study, which included 30 female cancer patients and mouse models, confirmed that the tumor generates more circulating cells when the organism (the cells) is asleep. In addition, cells that leave the tumor at night divide more quickly and possibly have a higher potential to form metastases than circulating cells during the day. The study tested blood collected at 4 AM and again at 10 AM from 30 women hospitalized with breast cancer. Physicians measure circulating tumor cell (CTC) levels in the blood — a type of liquid biopsy. The researchers found that the bulk of the CTCs they detected in the blood samples — almost 80% — appeared in the portion collected at 4 AM when the patients were still resting. The study suggests cancer cells may spread more efficiently at night due to disrupting the body’s circadian rhythms and the hormones this cycle regulates. For example, the research shows that melatonin — a hormone produced by the pineal gland that dictates sleep patterns — enables the cancer cells to spread more efficiently when the body is at rest. A person’s circadian clock is controlled by various genes that express specific molecules on a 24-hour timetable, influencing many processes in the body, including metabolism and sleep. Previously researchers believed that rogue, mutated cancer cells wouldn’t conform to a schedule. However, disrupted circadian rhythms were listed as a “probable” carcinogen after long-term studies concluded that people who work odd hours — such as flight attendants and night nurses — were at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Implications for Breast Cancer Treatment Researchers are determining how these findings can be incorporated into existing cancer treatments. For example, can existing therapies be more successful if patients are treated at different times? In addition, results could differ depending on the time doctors take tumor or blood samples. Another theory may change timing of certain drug-targeted therapies to block cancer spread, if given during sleep when the body’s immune system has its highest activity. In a pilot study including women with metastatic breast cancer who were given docetaxel (Taxotere) during sleep, about one-third responded well after two days compared to five days in those who received it while awake. The findings suggest sleep could give new drugs more time to work, specifically blocking or slowing down tumor growth and spread throughout the body — particularly if combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Count On Us for Information, Resources, and Support Whether you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer , are navigating survivorship, or are the loved one of someone experiencing breast cancer, you can count on Surviving Breast Cancer to keep you informed. We provide educational information to help you better understand symptoms, testing, treatment options , surgery, etc., and podcasts that feature professionals, advocates, and caregivers that share valuable information. Our global online community not only offers opportunities to connect with others for safe, judgment-free, peer-to-peer support but also ensures that you’re never alone. We also offer healing workshops and mindful movement classes , and you can join any of our groups or get matched with a mentor. Contact us today to learn more about or benefit from our services.