U.S. Senator Bob Casey Hosts PBCC Roundtable Calling for Medicare Coverage of Lymphedema Supplies

PA Breast Cancer Coalition, Survivors Discuss High Out-of-pocket Lymphedema Costs

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition met with U.S. Sen. Bob Casey for a roundtable discussion last week to shed light on the extreme costs associated with lymphedema maintenance supplies (compression garments and machines) for thousands of women across the country. Sen. Casey is co-sponsoring legislation called the Lymphedema Treatment Act, which requires Medicare to cover the cost of those supplies.

Pennsylvania breast cancer survivors
who suffer from lymphedema shared their personal stories and struggles with the Senator during the roundtable. Lymphedema is swelling and fluid retention in the arm that can develop following surgery when lymph nodes are removed or treated, such as a mastectomy, lumpectomy or radiation for breast cancer patients. Up to 40 percent of breast cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema. The Lymphedema Treatment Act would ensure coverage of needed maintenance supplies like gloves, sleeves, gauntlets and compression machines.


Do YOU want to take action? Tell us why YOU think lymphedema supplies should be covered by Medicare. Send us an email at Info@PABreastCancer.org or call 800-377-8828.



Don's miss the special opening of our PBCC photo exhibit at lebanon valley college!



Outstanding Breast Cancer Researchers
Awarded $50,000 PBCC Grants in 2017

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition has the honor of awarding three outstanding breast cancer researchers with grants in 2017:

Nancy Lill, Ph.D. of Penn State Cancer Institute
Qihong Huang, M.D., Ph.D. of The Wistar Institute
Paul Cairns, Ph.D. of Fox Chase Cancer Center


Each of the researchers will receive $50,000 to advance their innovative ideas in the quest to find a cure for breast cancer. If you're in Central PA, please join us as we present a grant to Dr. Lill of Penn State Cancer Institute on Wednesday, February 14 at 10:30a.m. in the 4th floor Common Area of Penn State Cancer Institute in Hershey. Dr. Lill plans to use the grant on a specialized project targeting the treatment of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. Look for additional grant presentation dates in upcoming PinkLink editions.

Will you be there to celebrate the work of Dr. Lill and to learn more about triple-negative breast cancer? RSVP to Jennifer Pensinger at Jennifer@PABreastCancer.org or (717) 769-2303.


Martin's Chips in for a Cure!



The PA Breast Cancer Coalition is honored to accept another incredible donation from the Martin’s Potato Chips “Martin’s Chips in for a Cure” campaign! Since 2009, Martin's has been supporting the PBCC and families facing breast cancer.

Since it began, the pink chip campaign has raised $203,370!!! Thank you to everyone who purchased these delicious potato chips in a custom pink ribbon bag! Special thanks to everyone at Martin’s for making so much possible for women battling breast cancer in Pennsylvania!



Save the Date for the 2017 PBCC Conference!

Be a driving force in the fight against breast cancer!