Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2001; 11 a.m. EDT

Linda L. Frame, RN, senior clinical advisor and Wendy M. Potts, helpline manager for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation were online Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. EDT to answer questions and comments on basic breast health and breast cancer information.

As Helpline manager for the foundation, Potts manages the strategic growth and daily operation of the toll-free Breast Care Helpline. She is responsible for recruiting and training volunteers and staff, as well as developing a Helpline manual and training materials. She also ensures that counselors are available for normal Helpline hours of operation and provide accurate and timely information to the counselors by conducting periodic in-service briefings related to advancements in the fields of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and research.

As senior clinical advisor, Frame's responsibilities include monitoring clinical issues and scientific developments in breast health and breast cancer, and keeping the foundation current on medical, scientific and commercial advancements in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of breast cancer. She also works closely with the marketing department to provide expert consultation to partners and sponsors who wish to develop breast health education programs. As a registered nurse, Frame has been specializing in cancer for over 20 years.

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: Throughout the month of October, what events has the Komen Foundation sponsored to promote breast cancer awareness? How has this year been different from last year?

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: Thank you for joining us in this National Breast Cancer Awareness Month web chat. Linda Frame, RN, MS, AOCN, senior clinical advisor at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and Wendy Potts, CHES, Helpline manager at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, will be addressing your questions relating to breast health and breast cancer. The Komen Foundation's mission is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.

In response to your question about Komen Foundation events in support of breast cancer awareness, we have a number of wonderful programs taking place in October.

KitchenAid has partnered with the Komen Foundation to create a new initiative, Cook for the Cure. The program is a multifaceted promotional effort that will give those with a passion for cooking an opportunity to support the Komen Foundation's mission by participating in cooking classes and culinary events across the country. In addition to these events, KitchenAid will make a $50 donation to the Komen Foundation for each purchase of select KitchenAid appliances, up to $1 million dollars. KitchenAid will also offer a limited edition KitchenAid Stand Mixer in pink, symbolizing the pink ribbon that represents the fight against breast cancer. The pink Stand Mixer will be available exclusively through KitchenAid's website, www.kitchenaid.com, through October 31, 2001. KitchenAid will make a $50 donation for each pink Stand Mixer sold.

Loews Cineplex Entertainment is supporting the fight against breast cancer through its program, Spotlight on the Cure. Loews will make a donation to the Komen Foundation for each paid attendance to a Loews theater during the month of October, with a guaranteed minimum contribution of $40,000. Throughout the month, millions of Loews' moviegoers will learn more about breast cancer screening, treatment and research when they enter Loews theaters in cities throughout the country.

Komen Foundation founder Nancy Brinker has written a new book, WINNING THE RACE: TAKING CHARGE OF BREAST CANCER. It is available by calling 1.877.SGK.SHOP (1.877.745.7467) and on the Komen Foundation's website, www.komen.org, as well as at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon.com. The book serves as a companion piece for families and friends of those diagnosed with breast cancer and highlights the growth of the Komen Foundation over the past 20 years.

Arlington, Va.: At what age should a woman start getting mammograms?

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: The Komen Foundation recommends that women begin getting annual mammograms by the age of 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer or concerns about their personal risk factors should talk with their doctors about when to begin annual mammograms. Women over age 20 should be performing montly breast self-exams (BSE) and be getting a clinical breast exam by a trained healthcare provider at least every three years, and then annually after the age of 40.

Vienna, Va. : Is breast cancer health taught in health classes in highschools? Are young women taught the importance of getting screened and self evaluations? There seems to be so much on women's health that we need to research and so behind on.

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: Local Komen Foundation Affiliates have helped fund projects that go into schools to teach basic breast health to school-aged girls, including the three steps to breast health, with a special emphasis on BSE. Some topics of these presentations include the anatomy and physiology of the breast and breast cancer risk factors. We encourage all women to become familiar with their breasts through BSE so they will know what is normal for their breasts and be able to recognize any changes from normal.

Columbia, Md.: When they say if any relatives in your family have had breast cancer, do they mean just like mom or grandma? What if a distant aunt had it? Are you still at risk?

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: First degree relatives are the most significant people to consider when looking at risk, and this includes your mother, sisters, and any daughters. We also take into consideration who in the family has cancer (breast cancer and other cancers), what type of cancer they have, and age of diagnosis. If you are concerned about your personal risk for breast cancer, we encourage you to talk to your doctor in detail about your risk.

Arlington, Va.: Are women of certain ethnicities more susceptible to breast cancer?

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: Caucasian women have the highest incidence of breast cancer. However, more African American women die of breast cancer. This may be related to biological differences, delay in diagnosis, and inconsistencies in access to care and treatment.

Virginia: Hello. Is gynecomastia (http://www.gynecomastia.org) a male breast cancer issue too? I think I have it.

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: Anything that is unusual for your body needs to be checked out by your doctor. Depending on the underlying cause, gynecomastia can be treated. Causes can range from medications you are taking to hormonal imbalances.

Ashburn, Va.: Has there been any legal or political bills or support in the research of breast cancer? Will breast health be covered by all health insurance policies? Does breast health fall under the same topic as contraception for women?

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: Some health insurance companies are covering breast health as part of the well woman exam. However, you will need to check to see what your individual policy covers. All health insurance carriers are different.

Maryland: Wendy, when you deal with people in the hotline what is the general call about? I know this is a very general question but is the hotline a safe place to go if you have basic breast health questions or if you think you have breast cancer? Is it difficult for women of various ethnic groups to talk about their breasts seeing that women's sexual health or awareness seems taboo in most cultures?

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: The Komen Foundation's Helpline, 1.800 I'M AWARE, is answered by trained, caring volunteers who can answer questions about breast health and breast cancer. When you call the Helpline, you are welcome to remain anonymous, and that makes it more comfortable for some women to call and ask questions. Volunteers are available Monday through Friday, from 9am to 4:30 pm Central Standard Time.

Vienna, Va.: Where can I find information about where to go in the D.C. metropolitan area to learn about breast health? Is talking to my physician enough?

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: Talking with your physician is a great start. We also welcome you to visit the breast health section of the Komen Foundation's website, www.breastcancerinfo.com.

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: If you would like more information about how to become involved with your local Komen Foundation Affiliate, log onto www.komen.org and click on "Affiliates." To learn more about the Komen Race for the Cureฎ in your area, call the Race hotline at toll-free 1-888-603-RACE.

Maryland:
Me again. Wendy, in your counseling experience, I want to know if it is difficult for women of minority groups to talk about their breast health because in most cultures women feel ashamed or taught that it is taboo to talk about their sexual health.

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: In my experience as a resource for information, I am seeing more and more women reach out to find more information about breast health and breast cancer. Over the telephone, we can not tell what ethnic group a person might belong to, so it is difficult to determine any patterns along cultural lines. In some communities, there are different organizations that reach out to various ethnic groups on womens health issues. You might check with your local Komen Maryland Affiliate to identify any such programs in your area.

Arlington, Va.:
How many women have survived breast cancer? How many have died from it? What are the statistics of the cancer and how does it compare to ovarian or other women's health cancers?

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: In 2001, it is estimated that 192,200 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,500 men will be diagnosed. An estimated 40,200 women and 400 men will die from the disease this year.



There has been a decrease in breast cancer mortality by 2% per year since the early 1990's, and this is related to early detection and more effective treatments. The majority of breast cancers diagnosed today are being diagnosed at an earlier stage (stages I and II) for Caucasian and African American women. When breast cancer is confined to the breast area, the 5-year survival rate with appropriate treatment is over 95%.

Arlington, Va.:
Should men give themselves BSEs also? Are there cases of men having breast cancer as well?

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: Men can get breast cancer, so it is important for men to also be aware of any changes that happen in their bodies, including your chest area. If you notice any changes, report them to your doctor--for your health and your peace of mind.

washingtonpost.com:
What new research has been found in breast health? Can you tell us about the breast cancer gene BRCA1?

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: The Komen Foundation funds millions of dollars worth of innovative research projects around the world. To learn more about the grants funded in the 2000 research cycle, log onto the Komen Foundation's website at www.komen.org and click on "Grants."

Washington, D.C.:
I'm writing with a comment. My mom has been free of her breast cancer that was detected early and therefore she's been fine for over 10 years now. But, in contrast, a dear family friend was dismissed by her doctor when she found a lump. This friend was told by the doctor that this was not a lump and she was just overweight (her weight fluctuated a bit), so she took the attack on her size very personally, and it took quite a while for her to go to another doctor. Sadly, by then things had deteriorated. I guess I'm just writing in as a son and a friend to encourage women not to be hypochondriacs but to balance that with being proactive and to fight for their own health. Especially now when it's so easy to be swept up by other scary health concerns and thus to ignore the problems that didn't go away last month. Our friend was a wonderful, complicated, beautiful, strong person and I miss her so much so I hope people learn from her experience.

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: Thanks for sharing your comments with us. Women know their bodies the best, and if a woman feels that something is wrong, she should pursue her "gut feeling" until she gets a satisfactory answer. Your point is very well taken.

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: Only about 5-10% of breast cancers are thought to be the result of inheriting an altered gene. Breast cancer genes 1 and 2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2) were identified in the early 1990's. These genes increase the risk for developing breast cancer by 60-80%. When there is a strong family history of breast cancers that are being diagnosed at younger ages (pre-menopausally or younger), it increases the suspicion of a genetic alteration.

That is why it is very important that a woman discuss her personal and family risk factors with her primary care physician to assess whether she is at a higher risk for developing breast cancer. A woman who is higher risk should be referred to a high risk clinic for further assessment and education on risk reduction options.

Linda L. Frame, RN and Wendy M. Potts: Thank you for the opportunity to address your questions. We hope this has been helpful. For additional questions about breast health and breast cancer, call the Komen Foundation's Helpline at 1.800 I'M AWARE (1.800.462.9273) or visit the breast health section on the Komen Foundation's website at www.breastcancerinfo.com/.

washingtonpost.com:

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