Author: Erin Steigleder, MSW - Director of Programs

Quarterly News Roundup: Unveiling New Research and the Realities of Crowdfunding in Cancer Care

Explore the latest developments in Virginia’s cancer research, from cutting-edge ultrasound techniques to breakthroughs in preventing cancer spread. Learn about the increasing reach of NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the region and the challenges of crowdfunding medical care.

Beyond the Poverty Line: How VBCF Helps ALICE Families

Explore how the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation is assisting ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families in their fight against breast cancer. Learn about the inadequacies of the traditional poverty line and how VBCF’s approach takes a more comprehensive look at the modern socio-economic landscape to better serve those in need.

An Important Step Forward: Applauding the Revised Mammogram Recommendations

VBCF was encouraged to hear that the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is proposing changing their recommendations for mammograms so that women of average risk of developing breast cancer get their mammograms starting at age 40 and continue every other year until 74. We’re going to break down exactly why this is a big…
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Obesity & BRCA: Unraveling Breast Cancer’s Secrets

Discover the intriguing link between obesity, BRCA mutations, and breast cancer risk, and learn about the potential impact of new weight loss drugs on cancer prevention. Stay informed on the latest research and breakthroughs.

Stay Up-to-Date with Breast Cancer News: Latest Developments in 2023

We understand the importance of staying informed about breast cancer research and policy, which is why we’ve curated some of the latest news from the first few months of 2023 to keep our readers up-to-date. Topics include a bill in Pennsylvania to cover BRCA testing and breast MRIs for high-risk women, the relationship between obesity…
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Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Doctor-Patient Communication for Better Outcomes

by: Elizabeth Sanderson, VCU MSW Intern Oftentimes, having a conversation with doctors in a medical setting where they are delivering information can be complicated. This can be due to the amount of information people are receiving, the emotional state of people who are receiving the news, and the medical language used by doctors. If patients…
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Thermography: Is it a Reliable Alternative to Mammograms?

A mammogram (L) is an X-ray image of the breast that can identify tissue types with different densities, such as masses within the breast. Thermography (R) produces an infrared image that shows the patterns of heat on or near the surface of the body. Image source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration In discussions about mammography…
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VBCF Hit the Road this Fall

Aaaaaand we’re back! VBCF staff and volunteers spent September and October traveling and presenting to groups across the Commonwealth, totaling 30 educational events…27 in October. We got to speak to thousands of Virginians about breast health, from Wythe County to Portsmouth, from Fairfax to Suffolk. We donned hard hats and judged pumpkin painting contests. We…
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VIDEO: Patient Self-Advocacy

We talk a lot about advocating for yourself as a patient here at VBCF, but what does that actually look like? Tara Daudani, the Vice President of our VBCF Board, talks about advocating for herself while going through her breast cancer treatment, what she looks for in a healthcare provider, and how she prepares to…
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A New Category of Breast Cancer Means New Possibilities

At the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference earlier this year, a new breast cancer drug received a standing ovation after researchers announced the results of their trial. This drug is Enhertu, and it was recently approved by the FDA to treat people with a certain type of metastatic breast cancer. VBCF doesn’t tend to report on specific drugs for breast cancer treatment because treatment is so individualized – one treatment that works wonders for one person could be ineffective for another. The reason Enhertu warrants some discussion is that it essentially creates a new type of breast cancer that can be a new research focus: HER2-low.