Sex Without Nipples

I thought this article from Salon.com on Sex Without Nipples addressed some key issues that relate to all breast cancer survivors. Stacy Lewis, VP of Programming at Young Survival Coalition is quoted and YSC is mentioned as a resource for young women fighting breast cancer.

YSC Champaign-Urbana Calendar

Excellent News about Triple Negative Breast Cancer

"Unprecendented Partnership between the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation and Susan G. Komen for the Cure will Fund Collaborative Team at University of Alabama at Birmingham"

http://ww5.komen.org/KomenNewsArticle.aspx?id=16262

Yep, that's a $6.4 Million research project being funded! The project will be looking at an antibody that the researchers developed to target triple negative breast cancer tumors. A targeted therapy for Triple Negative.....that is awesome news and way overdue.

Another news story I saw today, unfortunately brings up controversy concerning legislation introduced a few weeks ago. Arguments are being made that the legislation gives false hope to young women and is unnecessary. I personally think it is wonderful to mention women under 40 in legislation and to bring awareness to the unique needs of young adults. So phooey on the politicians who think this is unnecessary and that breast cancer in women under 40 is so "rare". 

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl-wasserman-schultz-cancer-_a0sbapr11,0,342954.story

Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Screening

A technique that uses radar to image breasts is being trialed in the UK. The radar creates a 3D image of the breast, like an MRI, but does it faster and with less radiation exposure, and there is no squishing involved. The coolest thing as that the trials for the next 12 months will focus specifically on young women "as these can prove the most challenging".

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081111203503.htm

Patient Advocacy

Last month I started my journey along Patient Advocacy. I joined the Patient Advocate program through Carle Clinic and Mills Breast Cancer Institute. The program is part of the North Central Cancer Treatment Program (NCCTG), associated with Mayo. Patient Advocates play an active role in cancer research by bringing the patient perspective to the investigative and clinical environment. As a patient advocate, I get the opportunity to attend scientific meetings, review trial protocols, and make presentations to interested groups of scientists and clinicians. I joined the Patient Advocacy group specifically to bring the Young Adult issues to the forefront of research.

Some patient advocate stories: http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/article.show/id/2/article_id/885 http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/article.show/id/2/article_id/895