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Yes – YOU Really Can Help Cure Breast Cancer!

By Didi Lacher

From The Occasional Hot Flash

I recently went to the annual conference of the American Association for Cancer
Research and learned about a way that each one of us can actually help find a cure for breast cancer. We often read about exciting research breakthroughs in understanding cancer. These breakthroughs have to be further refined in the lab and then tested in real women in properly supervised "clinical trials".

Real women of all types are needed for these tests – whether you have had breast cancer or not, all races and nationalities, all ages – as large and diverse a pool as possible. With the Avon Foundation for Women, Dr. Susan Love, a well-known breast cancer specialist, has set up a program called Army of Women (http://www.armyofwomen.org/) to address this need. AoW evaluates potential trials and then sends information about the approved studies to women who have signed up with them. You decide whether you are interested in a study and then you follow the instructions to volunteer.

It is as simple as joining a mailing list and then choosing which studies appeal to you. And you can help by forwarding the emails to other women who might be interested. At the AACR conference, I naturally chose mainly sessions focused on breast and ovarian cancer. In several sessions, researchers talked about either the delays caused by the difficulty in collecting volunteers for clinical trials or about working with the Army of Women. The Army is making a difference. And we can make a difference. I signed up in about a minute, and I invite you to consider it. The basic info is (http://www.armyofwomen.org/armyfaq )

Posted July 21, 2010.

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Why don't you tell young women, or any women who is of childbearing age, that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer? Breasts were made to feed babies, not to look seductive.

— Nicole Hubbard

 
Breast Cancer has been part of my life since 1988, with some ups and downs, and this fact that I share helps so many who have just heard the words, "You have breast cancer." Worries happen. Laughter happens. Life happens despite all that you might think that very first day. Sure, many are not so lucky, and my oncologist, when asked why I am doing so well still says, "Go figure", but assures me and all of you, that I am not alone!

My involvement with family, work, travel and volunteering fills my days and I have learned so much. I encourage all of you to investigate the opportunities for advocates, all of us with breast cancer. You would be amazed at how you can contribute through SHARE, National Breast Cancer Coalition, Komen, America Cancer Society to name just a few. Talking to newly diagnosed or to women whose cancer has recurred helps them and you.

For women who want to see what the future holds and who want to work with researchers and clinicians, there are opportunities galore. Project LEAD trains the lay person in all areas of cancer: biology, clinical trials, statistics and is open to anyone touched by breast cancer. Experts guide us to understand.

Women with breast cancer can make a difference by serving with scientists on panels looking to fund innovative research. Look into programs with ACS, Komen, and Department of Defense Consumer Research Funding. Not only will you travel (with honorarium to help with costs), meet experts, but you can give a much needed patient perspective to future science. You will make a difference.



— Susan Axler

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