May is Mental Health Month and National Cancer Research Month. Recently, the two have coincided as researchers continue to learn more about the mental health of those dealing with breast cancer, not just cancer’s effect on physical health.
When you read about “false positive” rates in mammograms, what comes to mind? Or about breast cancer “overdiagnoses”? There have been a few articles on those topics lately, so below is a brief explanation of what false positives and overdiagnoses are and what the latest findings mean to mammography screening. In “research speak,” a false…
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BMI is being used as an “easy” but murky indicator of health and how the relationship between overweight, obesity, and breast cancer is not as clear-cut as it is often made out to be.
When caring for someone with breast cancer, “busy” can be an understatement. Each caregiver’s situation is unique to them, but it’s more common than not to feel stressed, scared, and generally overwhelmed with balancing the unique challenges of it all. Know that you are not alone in this! We’ve put together a guide for our top four most requested resources from caregivers throughout Virginia.
The VBCF-led diagnostic breast imaging coverage bill, HR 1243, was “tabled” by the House Commerce and Energy Committee, thus ending consideration for this General Assembly Session. While the details are complicated (dealing with prohibiting additions to Virginia’s essential health benefits package), our bill and a group of similar insurance benefits-related bills were found to be…
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Women and alcohol have a complicated relationship, so we’re going to take some time to try and review that relationship in the U.S. for Dry January.
For patients and loved ones dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, it can suddenly feel like your world has been turned upside down. We know that cancer doesn’t just affect the patient, but their whole community. From choosing a treatment plan to the everyday struggles of recovery, it’s common to feel scared, overwhelmed, or alone – no matter what your support system looks like. Sometimes we all need a little extra help as we navigate the difficulties in life – that is where Patient Navigators come in. We recently reached out to Navigators across the state for some great expert advice.
Recurrent metastatic breast cancer doesn’t get a lot of attention, either in the press or in research. We talk about the importance of early detection, but is that enough when it comes to increasing survival rates? The short answer is no.
Today is Giving Tuesday, the global day of generosity. And, as we also begin the holiday season, we want you to know that we are grateful for YOUR generosity right here in the Commonwealth. THANK YOU! Individual donors make up the lion’s share of our financial support. From folks who purchase our pink ribbon license plate…
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From the temperance movement that led to Prohibition to “Mommy Wine Culture,” women and alcohol have a complicated relationship, and now with the increasing availability of evidence connecting alcohol consumption and breast cancer, it’s becoming more complex. Here’s a breakdown of some of the latest research on how alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer so you can make the best decision for yourself and how you want to live your life.
The Pink 13.1 raised over $40,000 and the proceeds will support a screening and diagnostic service fund to support breast cancer testing for uninsured and underinsured in Southwest Virginia.
The Power of Pink Luncheon took place on Tuesday, October 12 in Roanoke. The inaugural event was a huge success raising funds and awareness for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. The Power of Pink Luncheon was sponsored by Kroger, WSLS10, Berglund Cars, Blue Ridge Cancer Care, Boxley and Fink’s Jewelers. We are so appreciative to all of our wonderful sponsors.
Guest Blogger: Louise B. Lubin PhD I know you remember the moment you heard, “You have breast cancer.” Those words began a long journey with many possible roadblocks and detours. You will all be at different points on your cancer timeline. Perhaps you have just been diagnosed, are continuing with treatment, or even managing a…
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Our 2nd Annual More Than A Pink Ribbon Awards Event and 30th Anniversary Commemoration presented by Exact Sciences was held virtually on October 1st. We were so pleased to present awards to several outstanding Virginians to recognize their accomplishments in state and local breast cancer education and advocacy. We are grateful to all of our…
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How do I support my loved one going through breast cancer treatment? What do I ask my doctor during my follow-up visit? I’m a breast cancer survivor! What now? Over the last 30 years, VBCF has received many questions just like these and more. Our mission is to provide the very best information and tools…
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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.
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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