As a trusted source of breast health information, Susan G. Komen supports new treatments and technologies that are evidence-based and will bring the greatest benefits to patients. The path from the lab to the clinic is never fast or easy.
Diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging is a critical form of breast cancer screening for some high-risk individuals and an important step in determining the need for a biopsy to rule out or confirm breast cancer. Not all insurance plans cover the out-of-pocket costs for this imaging, and the cost to patients can range from hundreds […]
“In the Black community, there’s a stigma about treatment, clinical trials and research. We have to understand that there’s not enough data to help us if we get sick. There’s not enough data to create treatments that will help us. We need to participate in clinical trials.” Sharon Elmore-Anderson Patient Advocate Living with Metastatic IBC
Nikki Anderson’s cancer journey began with a uterine cancer diagnosis in her 30s, which was followed by a breast cancer diagnosis six years later. She celebrates her journey by fundraising for the Komen 3-Day with Team Sparkle, inspired by her own adage: “I’m not going to let cancer steal my sparkle.”
Twenty years after her mother passed away from breast cancer, Colleen Boraca learned she had two conditions that increase her chances of developing breast cancer. Here, she shares the tips she’s learned to become a better advocate for herself and others.
“Of all times to proactively share your data, this is the time to do it,” remarked Ellen Goodwin when she spoke on her choice to participate in Komen’s ShareForCures breast cancer registry.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common health concerns among women worldwide. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have helped find breast cancer earlier, and coupled with effective treatment, have led to improved breast cancer survival.
Six years after undergoing treatment for stage 1 breast cancer, April learned she had stage 4 (metastatic) breast cancer. “I hadn’t heard of metastatic breast cancer. When the doctor told me there was no cure, it was just devastating. No cure? You end up thinking about death. In the back of my mind, I was thinking ‘okay, I’m going to go through this for the rest of my life.’”
Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2022.. Her diagnosis was not necessarily a surprise to her. “I’m number nine in my family for breast cancer,” she said. On Nancy’s maternal side, her grandmother and grandfather both had breast cancer, as did an uncle and aunt and several cousins. What surprised Nancy more than her diagnosis was that neither she nor any of her family members tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation.
Just before her 38th birthday, Lauren Yerkes learned she had breast cancer. Genetic testing would reveal she had the BRCA2 inherited gene mutation that made her at higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. “My experience has made me want to educate people about inherited BRCA mutations and to push for genetic testing, because people don’t really talk about it,” Lauren said. “I had no idea I was at risk.”
Royce’s breast cancer story began after a routine mammogram. “I was pretty vigilant and kept up with my regular mammograms,” she said. “The called me back at the radiologist office and said it looked like I had early breast cancer.” Follow-up tests confirmed her diagnosis. It was during this experience that she realized how much strength she had within herself. “You never know how strong you are until you have to be strong,” she said.
When Iris completed treatment for stage 2 breast cancer, she assumed her breast cancer journey was over. But 13 years later, after experiencing unexplained pain, Iris was devastated to learn she had stage 4 (metastatic) breast cancer (MBC). “I had no idea pain could be related to MBC,” Iris said. “I have difficult days, but I don’t look at this as a death sentence. My family me strength, and we’re going to live our lives.”
