An August 17th article from the New York Times detailed the risk of having a genetic mutation linked to breast cancer–not BRCA1 or BRCA2, but PALB2. The BRCA1 and 2 mutations are still major players when it comes to breast cancer risk, but a mutated PALB2 gene can increase someone’s risk of breast cancer anywhere…
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At the end of June, the National LGBT Cancer Center released the first summary of results from its OUT: National Cancer Survey, a survey of over 2,700 LGBTQI+ cancer survivors in the United States. LGBTQI+ cancer survivors are an under-researched group, and at least for breast cancer, they can also be disproportionately affected by the…
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Please join us in welcoming Catherine Warren, the newest team member on VBCF’s staff! Catherine came on board on July 1st as VBCF’s Senior Director of Southwest Virginia, based in Roanoke. She will extend and strengthen VBCF’s reach into this region, offering education and advocacy program services and development. Based on the latest breast cancer…
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Meeting with a doctor can be intimidating. It can feel like they have “secret” information about our health, and they hold all the power because they decide which of our health concerns are treated and how. Patients need to be their own health advocates! We want to be sure that we leave each appointment feeling…
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In honor of Juneteenth, VBCF would like to highlight some African American medical pioneers and their roles in the field of cancer and in the state of Virginia. Thanks to these men, women, and institutions, medical advances have been made and continue to be made. Without their contributions, medical care would likely not be what it is today. Their influential contributions have had profound impacts in their respective fields.
One of the founding reasons for the creation of VBCF in 1991 was the lack of education in the general public around breast cancer. For this reason, we remain committed to educating communities across the Commonwealth about breast cancer in any way that we can
“As someone with metastatic breast cancer, I know that this is a marathon, not a sprint. And, access to treatment is so important. Why should I have to wait up to 2 years for the benefits I already qualify for?” Anne, Virginia Advocate speaking about the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act VBCF volunteer…
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Like most women diagnosed, Rita Handley had no history of breast cancer in her family when she found out she had it. In January 1997, she was diagnosed with stage II, node-negative breast cancer. In June 2001, she was diagnosed with stage IV bone metastasis. She found VBCF through her Bosom Buddies support group, joining…
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Which Screening Guidelines are the “Right” Ones? We want to unpack this conversation a little bit, and hopefully provide some clarity in what YOU should do with this information.
One of VBCF’s first advocacy events was a Mothers’ Day Rally at the General Assembly to urge legislators to focus more funding on screening and treatment for breast cancer. Our advocacy work has never stopped. VBCF hosts an annual State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day and organizes volunteer advocates to participate in national breast cancer lobby day.
Pictured above is our Zoom meeting with Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-9th) in 2020 “Travel” virtually to Capitol Hill with us! VBCF is preparing for another virtual NBCC Breast Cancer Lobby Day this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Our 2020 virtual lobby day was a big success with several of our meetings with US Representatives…
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The very origins of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) have our grassroots in volunteer work. We couldn’t continue our mission without the many individuals who have dedicated their time to go the extra mile for our community. In celebration of National Volunteer Week 2021, we are honoring a group of our most impactful volunteers. Staff…
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You may have heard about new cancer detection tests working their way through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval process that are expected to change the way we screen for cancer. There is a bill in front of Congress to shorten the length of time it takes for tests like these to be…
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By Guest Blogger: Lisa DeFerrari This article was originally published on After 20 Years Cancer Research Blog on February 6, 2021. When I was treated for breast cancer in 1993, and again in 2005, I was fortunate to have good health insurance coverage. Being able to afford my treatment was never an issue. But would…
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The 2021 Virginia General Assembly session was extended by the Governor and concluded this past weekend. Thank you to all who took action on VBCF’s priority legislation during this unusual session! Here is a brief summary of where we landed: Paid Family and Medical Leave Delegate Hala Ayala’s bill (HB 2016) establishing a paid family…
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As more people are starting to get their COVID-19 vaccines (yay!) we are learning more about how different people react to them and there is one benign reaction we wanted to bring to your attention. Some people who receive the COVID-19 vaccine get swelling in their lymph nodes in their underarm, which can also be…
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You may have heard the news that both of the local Boards of Directors for Virginia’s two Susan G. Komen affiliates – Central & Eastern Virginia, based in Richmond, and Blue Ridge, based in Roanoke, have decided to close their doors rather than participate in Komen’s national reorganization to centralize operations from its national office…
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Are you aware of the link between breast cancer and heart health? There are many shared risk factors between the two conditions, and in some cases, breast cancer treatment can have long-lasting cardiac effects. Dr. Wendy Bottinor from the Pauley Heart Center at VCU Health provides guidance on how to protect heart health during treatment…
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The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation supports HB2016 to create a paid family and medical leave program so that Virginia workers do not have to struggle with financial stability when receiving treatment for cancer or other serious illnesses. Without access to paid medical leave, patients are faced with impossible choices during a time when they are…
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The 2021 Virginia General Assembly Session began on Wednesday, January 13th. This year’s “short session” is scheduled to last only 30 days, but recent reports suggest that Governor Northam may extend the session to 45 days. Due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, much of the work during the session will be done virtually. Given these…
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The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to the eradication of breast cancer through education and advocacy.
Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation
2821 Emerywood Parkway
Suite 203
Richmond, VA 23294
800-345-8223 | 804-285-1200
When you make a donation to VBCF, you make a difference for Virginians affected by breast cancer.
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