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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Nancy Goodman Brinker
Founder, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
RESCHEDULED Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001; 11 a.m. EST
Nancy Goodman Brinker, founder of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation comes online Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. EST to talk about her new book "Winning the Race: Taking Charge of Breast Cancer." Brinker is a breast cancer survivor and currently serves as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary.
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, who died at the age of 36. Since its inception in 1982 through the end of the fiscal year 2000, the Foundation has raised more than $400 million for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs across the country. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 70,000 volunteers working through local Affiliates and Komen Race for the Cureฎ events fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease.
The Foundation's research program has provided grant funding for cutting-edge research that led to landmark discoveries, such as the identification of the breast cancer gene, BRCA1, as well as the development of tamoxifen.
Since 1983, the Komen Race for the Cure Series has grown from one local Race with 800 participants to a national series of more than 100 Races with over 1.3 million people expected to participate in 2001.
In an effort to support the fight against
breast cancer, Loews Cineplex Entertainment will launch "Spotlight On The Cure" a multi-platform, multi-partner, circuit-wide initiative to benefit breast cancer research and community outreach programs in cooperation with the
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
With theatres from San Francisco to Orlando, and from Los Angeles to Boston, Loews will make a
donation to the foundation for every paid
attendance to a Loews theatre during the month of October, with a guaranteed minimum contribution of $40,000.
The transcript follows.
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washingtonpost.com:
We will be starting momentarily. Please send in your questions to Nancy Brinker now.
washingtonpost.com:
When and why did you decide to start the Komen Foundation? Did you get very much support in the beginning for funding and what do you think has been the greatest difference now?
Nancy Brinker: I decided to start the Komen foundation as my sister, Susie, was dying from breast cancer. She asked me to somehow help other families cope with this dreaded disease. Also, she felt that women needed more information about early detection and how best to treat the disease at its earliest stages.
Olney, Md.:
Are you worried about a dropoff in contributions to breast cancer charities with so much focus on charities related to assisting families of those killed in the September 11 attacks? I see announcements of many events raising money for the survivors of the attacks, but many fewer for charities that actually save lives (both are important, I hasten to add).
Nancy Brinker: No - Actually, I see an opportunity to increase donations as people become more charitable in times like this - not less so. Also, I think that people recognize that a disease like breast cancer has over 190,000 cases diagnosed annually, and 40,000 deaths caused by this disease.
washingtonpost.com:
Nancy, tell us what about your new book "Winning the Race: Taking Charge of Breast Cancer." Why did you decide to write the book?
Nancy Brinker: This new book, of which I am very proud, called "Winning the Race" is intended to be a helpful account of my experiences with breast cancer. It was my intention to write a book which would prove instructive for women (and families) needing more information about this disease.
Burtonsville, Md.:
I'm the son of a breast cancer survivor, friend of several, and my young daughter and I have participated in the last two "Races for the Cure." My question is, as an African-American male, one aware of male breast cancer largely through the efforts of breast cancer survivor Richard Roundtree ("Shaft"), exactly what symptoms should a male be on the lookout for, and what diagnostic tools are available in the absence of mammography (or is male mammography possible after all?)? Thanks.
Nancy Brinker: Thank you for participating in the Komen Race for the Cureฎ! It is estimated that 1500 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and 400 men will die from the disease. Men, like women, need to be aware of any changes from normal that they notice anywhere in their bodies. Any new lump, thickening in the breast, change in breast size or shape, dimpling or puckering of the skin, swelling, redness or warmth, pulling in of the nipple, or nipple discharge that starts suddenly and appears only in one breast should be reported to your doctor. Most breast changes are not cancerous, but your doctor is the only one who can help you determine what is causing the change.
Fairfax, Va.:
I am 37 years old and my mother died of breast cancer when she was 55. She first had it at 45. Unfortunately they didn't find the lump soon enough (this was over 20 years ago) and while she survived her first bout with it for 10 years the second one came back with a vengence and it killed her. I have regular screenings (I've had three since I was 30) and all have been negative. My concern is the screenings. Is it safe for me to have that many in that amount of time? Yes, my doctor prescribed them but only as a precautionary measure. Not because he suspected any cancer was present. I'm concerned about the radiation exposure. Thanks.
Nancy Brinker: I am sorry to know that you lost your mother to breast cancer. This disease can be so difficult for the entire family. Mammograms are the best known method for early detection of breast cancer, and very little radiation is emitted with each mammogram. Mammograms are strictly regulated to ensure their safety, and it is very important that women be screened every year after the age of 40. For women like you, who have a family history of breast cancer, it is important to talk with your doctor and work out a screening program that fits your needs.
Orlando, Fla.:
Can you please give us all the symptoms that can lead to breast cancer. Is it genetic? My two paternal aunts and their two cousins died of breast cancer between the age of 35 and 40. I am 56 now, how does it affect me and what precautions I should take?
Nancy Brinker: Research shows that the two most significant risk factors for developing breast cancer are being female and getting older. A woman may be at an even higher risk if she has experienced any of the following:
-A personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
-A close relative who has had breast cancer before menopause or in both breasts
-Menstruation starting at an early age (before 12)
-Late menopause (after 55)
-The birth of a first child after the age of 30 or not having children at all
-A previous breast biopsy showing abnormal cells, such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia
-Having the mutated breast cancer genes BRCA1 or BRCA2
If you have any of the above risk factors, I would encourage you to speak to your doctor in order to understand your risk of breast cancer. Early detection and treatment offer the best chance for surviving breast cancer.
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation recommends the following for all women:
-Monthly breast self-examination beginning by age 20
-Clinical breast examination by a medical professional at least every 3 years beginning at age 20, and annually after 40
-Annual screening mammography beginning at age 40; women under 40 with either a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about their personal risk should consult their doctors about when to begin mammography.
Arlington, Va.:
What can you tell me about the chances of a full recovery if there is no recurrence in 7 years? Good luck in the Magyar Republic.
Nancy Brinker: Thank you! Breast cancer has the highest risk of recurrence within the first five years of diagnosis, so congratulations on being seven years out! We are not able to tell if breast cancer will come back in some people, but with each passing year, you can celebrate your wellness. Best of luck and good health to you.
Fairfax, Va.:
Is your book out now? Would you recommend your book as a gift or for those who want to have step by step procedures in preventing or screening for breast cancer? Is the book only for women with breast cancer?
Nancy Brinker: My new book, "Winning The Race: Taking Charge of Breast Cancer," serves a dual purpose. It begins by telling the story of my sister, Susie, in memory of whom I established the Komen Foundation, as well as my own personal experience with breast cancer. "Winning The Race" is also a valuable educational resource for women and men concerned about their own health. It discusses basic breast health and risk factors, and provides information about issues important to those newly diagnosed with breast cancer and their families, such as treatment options, breast reconstruction and coping tips.
"Winning The Race: Taking Charge of Breast Cancer," is available now for $10 on the Marketplace section of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's website, www.komen.org. You can also purchase it from the Komen Foundation by calling 1.877.SGK.SHOP (1.877.745.7467). It is also available at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon.com.
Nancy Brinker: It has been my pleasure talking with you this morning. Thank you for joining my web chat and for your continued interest in the Komen Foundation's efforts in its mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease.
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
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