June 2015
President's Corner |
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By Pat Halpin-Murphy, President & Founder |
Advocacy and action for women with dense breasts marches forward in a BIG way!
PA Sen. Bob Mensch introduced Senate Bill 842, which will require all
insurers to cover additional dense breast screenings like ultrasounds and MRIs. Dense breast tissue can hide tumors on a mammogram. Because of that, women with dense breast tissue often need additional screenings. The problem is - some insurers don't cover them. This legislation will change that for Pennsylvania women.
The PA Breast Cancer Coalition worked with Sen. Mensch to pass the Breast Density Notification Act requiring mammography centers to notify women of their breast density. This year, the PBCC distributed surveys and is collecting data from women and mammography facilities across the state. Now, we want to ensure that women have access to the best screening options available to them, without any worry about the tests being covered. Thanks to Sen. Mensch and your efforts, we believe they won't have to worry much longer.
Watch our video
below for more information on Senate Bill 842. Learn why this is so important and find out what YOU can do to help.
Take action. Save lives.
Had a mammogram this year? We want to hear from you! Click here to take our online survey and help us gather information for legislative advocacy efforts going forward. Thank you!
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| Our Programs |
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Breast cancer survivors gather for the PBCC's photo exhibit opening at the New Bloomfield Public Library Thursday, June 4.
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Superheroes. That's how Perry County survivor Ann Marie Potter described her two sons who stood by her side while she battled breast cancer. Ann Marie joined survivor and Grassroots Partner Helen Michener in sharing their personal stories, struggles and messages of hope at the opening of "67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania" at the New Bloomfield Public Library this month. The photo exhibit was on display June 4-13. Speakers encouraged women to get their annual screenings while sharing stories from their own personal journeys with breast cancer.
Read more from the exhibit opening here>> |
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| Medical Update |
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Researchers say anastrozole may be as effective, if not more effective, than tamoxifen when it comes to treating DCIS. A study conducted by NRG Oncology and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) monitored DCIS patients taking anastrozole and patients taking tamoxifen for 5 years. Women under the age of 60 taking anastrozole had a slightly higher rate of disease-free survival than those taking tamoxifen. Want to learn more?
Click here to read the complete study>> |
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| Survivor Stories |
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BettyLou Perkins, Erie County
I've always been faithful in getting that annual mammogram. I never felt a lump and neither did my doctor, but when I had my annual mammogram on October 20, 2014, they found a little 5 mil. spot.
I had a biopsy and then on December 4th they phoned the results to me and confirmed that I had invasive lobular breast cancer. My first thought was "Merry Christmas!" But then I thought well, it is what it is and you have to do what you have to do and you're going to beat this.
Read more of BettyLou's story>> |
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| Patient Advocacy |
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Did you know that there is FREE breast cancer treatment available to you if you are uninsured or underinsured in Pennsylvania?
Women who qualify for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment program (BCCPT) can receive free health care, including health care for medical needs unrelated to a breast or cervical cancer diagnosis, throughout their course of treatment for cancer or a pre-cancerous condition of the breast or cervix. Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents under the age of 65. Do you qualify?
Find out and learn more about BCCPT>> |
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| Grassroots Partners - June Events |
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June is quite a busy time for our incredible Grassroots Partners all over the state!
Gorgeous pink ribbon flowers welcomed guests to the 4th Annual Stauffers of Kissel Hill Pink Day
at Home and Garden center locations from York to Lititz. Stauffers donated 2% of all sales on June 6 directly to our programs and services at the PBCC and raised more than $6,600! In addition, customers had a chance to win a pink garden, treat themselves to delicious homemade baked goods and learn more about our mission. Thank you to the wonderful guests we had a chance to speak with and, of course, to Stauffers of Kissel Hill for your dedication to making a difference in the community.
June 6 also marked the 1st Annual Toasting a Cure at the Vineyard at the brand new Bucks Valley Winery and Vineyard in Newport, Perry County. The event raised $8,000 for breast cancer survivors and families in PA! Guests enjoyed summer wine tastings, live music and a silent auction, not to mention gorgeous weather and breathtaking views. Thank you to Helen Michener and her team for making Toasting a Cure a huge success! |
Would you like to organize a fundraiser for the PBCC? Visit pbcc.me/hostevent
or contact Kristen@PABreastCancer.org for more information.
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