Our 2024 Potamkin Prize for Research winner Dr. Eric Winer, Director of the Yale Cancer Center, presented this year's Conference Grand Rounds Opening Session - "Curing Breast Cancer: What Will it Take?." Dr. Winer provided Conference participants with the latest research being conducted to advance treatments, reduce disparities and customize treatment for breast cancer patients. Many attendees said they left the session with one common feeling: hope. 

In case you missed it, the entire session recording is now available. Click here to access the video.

SAVE THE DATE: The 2025 PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the Hilton Harrisburg.

I was diagnosed in 2015 after my very first mammogram. I was 40 years old at the time and had no idea what to expect. After the mammogram, the technician returned and performed an ultrasound. This was at an off-site facility, and the team scheduled an appointment for me at the breast clinic at the main hospital that same week. I had a feeling that there might be something going on. I later had a lumpectomy, followed by radiation and tamoxifen.

In November 2022, I was diagnosed with breast cancer again after a routine MRI. This time, I was much more surprised because my Oncotype recurrence score was only 11. I did genetic testing twice and both results were negative. Thankfully, my medical team was very diligent with screenings.

Hearing the word cancer is never easy. However, I watched my father beat leukemia when I was 14, and he is still in remission. I truly believe that positive thinking, prayer, and trust in your medical team are imperative to surviving the journey...

PA Senator Tracy Pennycuick kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the PBCC and former Senator Bob Mensch with a month-long awareness and advocacy campaign at regional YMCAs across Berks and Montgomery counties. 

Information about knowing your risk, early detection and Pennsylvania’s Act 1 of 2023 was showcased at at YMCA locations including:

• Upper Perkiomen Valley
• Pottstown
• Spring Valley (Royersford)
• Boyertown

Act 1 of 2023 allows for Pennsylvanians who are at increased risk to access no-cost breast MRI, ultrasound, genetic testing, and genetic counseling for individuals insured under state law.

Thank you, Senator Pennycuick, PBCC Board Member Bob Mensch and all participating YMCA locations for this outreach effort!

Open enrollment in Pennie, the state's health insurance marketplace is here!