BCAM: Expand conversation to include metastatic breast cancer
Expand conversation to include metastatic breast cancer
By Anne Morris | October 20, 2014
While we’ve done a great job of raising awareness about early stage breast cancer, there’s a critical need to move the conversation further to include a population that largely goes unnoticed, and left feeling alone. I’m talking about those living with metastatic breast cancer — cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body, and is incurable.
Current estimates show as many as a quarter of a million people in the United States are living with the uncertainty, fear, and sense of isolation that often accompanies metastatic breast cancer. It lives with them everyday as they undergo grueling treatment hoping for another month, another year, knowing their future is uncertain. Every year 40,000 die from it.
In Massachusetts we are building momentum in our efforts to engage and educate women about metastatic breast cancer. Later this month two events highlighting metastatic breast cancer will take place in Boston, as experts come together and present their thoughts and findings on the state of the disease.
These programs demonstrate the willingness and commitment on behalf of breast cancer researchers, organizations, and those who support the cause to communicate and engage the public on this very important topic. But this is only the beginning. We have a lot more to accomplish.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/10/20/expand-conversation-include-metastatic-breast-cancer/OIpTIXUpWJJCWUt4oDjHJN/story.html
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