Blog

Celebrating Women’s History Month: A Look Back at VBCF’s Origins

If you haven’t heard by now, March is Women’s History Month! VBCF wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for five local women frustrated by the lack of support available for women with breast cancer – founders Phoebe Antrim, Judi Ellis, Patti Goodall, Sherry Kohlenberg, and Mary Jo Kahn. In this blog, we’ll honor Women’s History…
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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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Funds Now Available for Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Services in Southwest Virginia

We are pleased to announce that funds are now available to provide breast cancer screening and diagnostic services to uninsured and underinsured individuals in Southwest Virginia. VBCF has committed $190,000 for 2023 with partners in Abingdon (Ballad Health), Lynchburg (Centra Health), Roanoke/NRV, and Southside (Carilion Clinic). Thanks to the generosity of our donors, VBCF’s Screening…
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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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Building Support for Breast Cancer in the Black Community

“In Unity there is Strength, In Strength there is Power, In Power there is Change.” – Karen E. Jackson, 1995. Founder & CEO of the Sisters Network, Inc. Reflecting on Black History Month this year, we can’t ignore the disparities in breast cancer outcomes facing the Black community. Despite these challenges, there is much hope.…
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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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Sewing Our Support! Join the Effort to Sew Heart-Shaped Pillows for Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer is a tough battle, and recovery after surgery can be challenging. But we can make a difference in the lives of those going through treatment by providing them with a simple yet practical gift: heart-shaped pillows. These pillows are designed to fit comfortably under the arm and provide several benefits to someone coping…
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2023 General Assembly Update

Officials pictured: State Senator Frank Ruff; Delegate Ellen Campbell, wife of late Del. Ronnie Campbell; Delegate Shelly Simonds; Mrs. Collette McEachin, Richmond City Commonwealth Attorney, and wife of late Congressman McEachin. VBCF was invited to speak at the Virginia Cancer Caucus on January 20th. The meeting honored the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin and the…
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Victory for the Lymphedema Community: The Lymphedema Treatment Act is Now Federal Law

After 12 years of hard work by volunteer advocates and their partners, the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) was finally passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. This is a significant victory for the lymphedema community and a testament to the power of perseverance and advocacy. Lymphedema is a condition that can develop…
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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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