Category: education

AI in Mammography: A Helpful Tool, Not a Replacement for Your Doctor

by Erin Steigleder, MSW, Director of Programs What is happening with the use of AI and mammograms? You have probably seen some headlines over the past year or two about how medicine can make use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and you may have even seen something about AI being used to “look” at mammograms.…
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How Mastectomy Boutique Fittings Work (And What Insurance Covers)

By Grace Rush, Certified Mastectomy Fitter   The Pink Ribbon Boutique in Richmond, VA, specializes in helping individuals feel comfortable and supported after breast surgery by providing post-mastectomy bras, prostheses, and compression garments — all in a compassionate and welcoming environment.  If you’ve never visited a mastectomy boutique before, you might be wondering: What happens during…
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Breast Cancer News Round-Up – Spring 2024

Stay updated with the latest in breast cancer care: Discover the USPSTF’s new mammography guidelines, federal marijuana rescheduling, a CDC campaign for disabled women, and crucial studies on racial disparities in cancer outcomes.

Beyond the Fear: New Insights into HRT and Breast Cancer Risk

Menopause has been getting some long overdue attention lately, focusing on evolving recommendations for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Why is VBCF talking about menopause? A few good reasons: the risk for breast cancer increases after menopause; the use of HRT has long been connected with increased risk of breast cancer; and many people in treatment…
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VBCF’s Take on the Drop in Breast Cancer Mortality

You may have seen the recent Washington Post article discussing how the death rate for breast cancer has dropped 58% since 1975. And that’s amazing! Back in 1975, mammograms were difficult to access and less accurate, surgery was intensely disfiguring and often involved the removal of chest muscle in addition to breast tissue, and chemotherapy…
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Hidden Options: Breast Cancer Prevention Drugs

Explore the critical challenges of awareness, access, and cost that prevent many from utilizing life-saving breast cancer prevention drugs.

Innovative Collaboration: VBCF Hosts Healthcare Provider Summit

This year, for the first time, VBCF hosted a Healthcare Provider Summit as a part of our More Than a Pink Ribbon luncheon event. We wanted to offer a space for providers to learn about some current topics affecting people with breast cancer and be able to interact with other providers who touch their patients…
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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.

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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