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On September 19 & 20, 1997, the Breast Cancer Coalition of North Carolina will unveil its Second Annual Workshop on Wellness, which will include a "Celebrate Today" Reception on Friday evening, at the Radisson Governors Inn in Research Triangle Park, NC.

At the Reception on Friday, from 7:30 -10:00pm, you can gather for an evening meant for celebrating who we are, as individuals and as breast cancer survivors. Plan to nourish your body and soul with fine food, wine and the mystical, mesmerizing sounds of live Celtic music. Come and join a very strong and special group of women from all across North Carolina.

The Workshop on Wellness, Saturday from 8:30am-4:00, serves as a prelude to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. It also has become a very enjoyable way to promote breast cancer awareness in a positive light by showing that life after breast cancer can be vibrant, inspiring and fulfilling. We have an exciting program for the Workshop on Saturday:

Patient Advocacy in Research, presented by Bob Millikan, DVM, MPH, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Carolina Breast Cancer SPORE at UNC-Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC

Discovering Joy & Healing in the Journal, with Anne Vilen, M.A.,of Cullowhee, NC

The Magic of Mindful Movement, presented by Pamela Klinger, O.T. & Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, Therapeutic Innovations of Greenville, NC

Come Back to Your Senses, presented by Beth Walker, Cancer Outreach Education Coordinator for Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC

Registrations for the Workshop and Reception are $35 for BCNC Members and $45 for Non-Members (however, the $45 includes a $5 discount on Regular membership in BCCNC through December 1998). In addition, individuals may attend the Reception Only for $15 (which means that Workshop attendees may bring guests) or the Workshop Only for $40. Registrations for the Workshop and Reception must be received before September 10^th.

Room rates at the Radisson Governors Inn (I-40 at Davis Drive, Exit 280, Research Triangle Park, NC) are $70 for single or double (plus 11% tax). For reservations, call 800/333-3333 (national number) or 919/549-8631 (direct). Be sure to mention BCCNC for the special room rate. Hotel reservations should be made before August 27^th.

If you have questions or need additional information, please call Jamie A. Konarski, Workshop Coordinator, at 919/758-1161.

NC Triangle Race For The CureÒ Raises More Than $110,000

Raleigh, NC – The first NC Triangle Race For The CureÒ , held June 7^th at Meredith College, raised more than $110,000 in gifts and pledges, and attracted a field of more than 2,500 runners & walkers, making it the largest 5K event in the area.

About $75,000 of the proceeds from the race, sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, will be used in the Triangle and neighboring communities to fund breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs. Non-profit groups that would like to use race proceeds to fund projects are encouraged to apply for local grants. To request a grant application, write to Race For The CureÒ , P.O. Box 50226, Raleigh, NC 27650, or call (919)493-CURE.

The remainder of race proceeds will go to the Komen Foundation’s national grant program to fund research that may one day lead to a cure for this devastating disease.

More than 25 corporate teams from businesses and community organizations from across the Triangle participated in the run and walk events. Corporate sponsors of the event included Carolina Ford Dealers, WTVD, UNC Breast Center, and WRAL-FM Mix 101.5. Also offering support were Nortel, Time Warner Cable, Carolina Woman magazine, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Columbia Raleigh Community Hospital, Healthsource North Carolina, Outer Banks Outfitters, Raleigh Hematology Oncology Clinic, Rex Healthcare, Bristol-Meyers Squibb Oncology/Immunology, Glaxo Wellcome, Hughes Design, Raleigh Women’s Surgical Center, Scharl and Associates Inc., The Independent, and Wellspring Grocery.

The Race For The CureÒ is the nation’s largest series of 5-kilometer road races and fitness walks. Held in 63 cities this year, the races benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a national organization devoted to finding a cure for this deadly disease. This year, an estimated 1,100 people in North Carolina will die from breast cancer, and more than 4,800 women in North Carolina will be diagnosed with the disease.

Honorary chairwomen for the first NC Race For The CureÒ were Kay Yow, Head Women’s Basketball Coach for the NC State University Wolfpack, and Betty Ray McCain, Secretary of NC Department of Cultural Resources.

Jeanne Peck, Race Chair, said, "the support we have received from the corporate community, from individuals and from the health care community has been overwhelming. The money raised by the first year of Race For The CureÒ will make a difference in the lives of women and their families in this area and beyond."

The Komen foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. The mission of the Komen Foundation, is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. It is the nation’s largest private funder of research dedicated solely to breast cancer.

National presenting sponsor for the Race For The CureÒ series is J.C. Penney. Other national sponsors include: Ford Motor Company, American Airlines, Lifetime Television for Women, New Balance, Pier 1 Imports, Quaker Rice Cakes, and Tropicana Pure Premium.

The second annual Race For The CureÒ will be held next June in the Triangle area. For information about sponsorships, participation or volunteering to help with the NC Triangle Race For The CureÒ , call 919/493-CURE. Or write to RFTC, P.O. Box 50226, Raleigh, NC 27650.

The Healer entered the room,
walked over to me
with a smile I admired.
The Physician entered
looking at my chart, sighed loudly,
sat down and looked so tired.
The Healer listened to my body
The Physician to the symptoms written in a book.
The Healer looked straight into my eyes
The Physician through a cold instrument determining the size.
The Healer became me,
feeling my sadness with the pain
The Doctor commented on my recent weight gain.
The Healer took his time,
sat by my side held my hand
and told me not to worry
The Physician looked at his watch
and seemed in a hurry.
The Healer gave me the will to live
and find my way
The Physician gave me my chart and told me where to check out and pay.

Catherine Andrews, 1997

NBCC Campaign 2.6 Exceeds Petition Goal

Over 2.7 million petition signatures were presented to President Clinton and Congressional leadership at the NBCC Rally in Washington D.C. on May 6^th. As you may recall, the petitions asked Congress to fund a total of $2.6 billion for breast cancer research between now and the year 2000. Following the rally, activists stormed Capital Hill for visits with Senators and Representatives.

Eleven women from North Carolina visited Jesse Helms, Lauch Faircloth, Mel Watts, Bill Hefner, Richard Burr, Howard Coble, David Price, Bobby Ethridge, Walter Jones, Charles Taylor and Eva Clayton. Contact Barbara Parker (919/782-1099) if you are interested in audio tapes from the conference

Project LEAD, Leadership, Education and Advocacy Development, is a science-training program for breast cancer advocates sponsored by the National Breast Cancer Coalition. The goal is to empower activists to fully participate everywhere that breast cancer research decisions are made. NBCC believes survivors and activists should be an integral part of the research structure. The goal of the 4-day training session is to provide a foundation of scientific knowledge, and to empower participants to educate themselves.

Project LEAD training will be held in Raleigh-Durham, February 4-8, 1998. There is no fee, but participants must file an application before December 17, 1997. For more information, contact Margo Michaels of NBCC at 202/973-0585.

Several BCCNC members have attended Project LEAD. If you would like to discuss the training with them, call our 800 number and leave a message.

The March … Coming Together To Conquer Cancer

Call Stephanie Cooper at 415/771-3911 for more information.

A Special Thank You …

To Marianne Wrran for a donation in honor of Laura Wickwar and in memory of Ruth Green.

NC Hospitals Among "America’s Best"

U.S. News recently released its "America’s Best Hospitals" for 1997. Of the 1,800 hospitals evaluated, only 135 made the list.

Duke University Medical Center of Durham made the honor roll, ranking 4^th overall and 6^th for cancer specialty. University of North Carolina Hospitals at Chapel Hill and North Carolina Baptist Hospital of Winston-Salem also made the list. Details can be found online at www.usnews.com/usnews/nycu/hosp.htm.

Conflicts Of Interest In Clinical Practice and Research

The New England Journal of Medicine (Feb. 13, 1997) printed a review of a new book entitled Conflicts of Interest in Clinical Practice and Research, edited by Roy G. Speece, Jr.; David S. Shimm and Allen E. Buchanan (Oxford University Press, 1996). The book editors are a law professor, professor of radiation oncology and an ethicist, respectively. According to the review, the book represents a wide range of well-argued views and is divided into four parts. First is an overview of conflicts of interest in medicine and elsewhere, including how other fields handle such conflicts, parallels with medicine and the important differences. The second part specifically focuses on medical practice issues including informed consent. The third part is described as containing "...a single chapter that discusses at length the many potential conflicts of interest involving physicians and the pharmaceutical industry. Its highlight is a detailed - and chilling - case study of the American blood-products industry and AIDS in the early 1980's. Although strong, the discussion would have benefited from international comparisons; in many countries, the events of the same era led to criminal prosecutions." The final section highlights conflicts of interest in clinical trials and other medical research issues and makes helpful suggestions for change.

Drive For The CureÒ

Editors Note on 8/19: while "Drive" results are still coming in, we know that Greensboro is second nationally with 244 test drives. Raleigh had 231 drives. Fun event!

Phase 1 Intrathecal LMB-7 Study at Duke

Cerebral metastases from a number of cancers is on the increase and generally predicts poor survival. Standard therapies (combined chemotherapy and radiation) are usually quite toxic and only marginally effective. However new agents like immunotoxins (which use antibodies to direct toxins) are extremely potent, and recent studies in animals have demonstrated exceptional effectiveness and little toxicity. The target antigen for this immunotoxin is found in 50% of breast, 95% of colon, 60% of ovarian and in significant percentages in many other cancers. A clinical trial has begun to assess toxicity and effectiveness in humans with cerebral metastases whose cancers have the relevant antigens.

For more information, contact Henry S. Friedman, MD, Box 3624, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710. Phone 919/684-5301 or 919/684-8722.

New Technique To Minimize Breast Surgery Side Effects at Duke

Many patients having breast cancer surgery at Duke University Medical Center are opting for a new approach to anesthesia, called a paravertebral block. According to Duke surgeon, Dr. Christina Weltz, the most impressive aspect of the block is the sense of feeling well during recovery from surgery. This procedure avoids much of the post-operative problems associated with general anesthesia, including nausea and vomiting.

The paravetebral block is a regional anesthetic technique, similar to spinal or epidural anesthesia, and originated in Canada. Dr. Weltz reports that surgeons are beginning to prefer using the block for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Patients are traveling to Duke specifically for the paravertebral block. Anesthesiologists from different hospitals are also traveling to Duke to learn how to perform the technique. For more information, contact Dr. Christina Weltz at 919/970-3074.

New Study: Diet Can Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

Diet can actually change breast tissue composition in a way that may reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a recent study reported in the Journal of the US National Cancer Institute.

The study of 25 women showed a statistical increase in omega-3 fatty acids in the breast tissue ("good" fatty acids), shown to reduce breast cancer risk. The women adopted a three-month diet heavy in soy products, fish oils and a variety of vegetables including green leafy vegetables, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and carrots. The study was conducted in Los Angeles by Dr. John Glaspy and UCLA colleagues. According to Dr. Glaspy, "dietary intervention could provide an effective means to alter the fatty acid availability in tumor tissue and thereby possibly affect tumor growth."

From Reuters Health Information Services.

Jan Hartlaub was nominated by the American Cancer Society of High Point for the Impact Award for "making a significant impact in the fight against cancer."

Sue Moore was nominated by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for the Nancy Susan Reynolds Award for Advocacy. Sue was also nominated by the North Carolina Council for Women for the Distinguished Women of NC Award for Volunteerism.

We’ve Been Busy!!

In August, BCCNC helped with Drive For The Cure events at several NC locations. See page 5.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, September 18^th at Hawthorn Inn in Winston-Salem. For information, call 910/716-6717.

September 19 & 20 at the Radisson Governors Inn in Research Triangle Park. See the article on page 1, or call Jamie Konarski at 919/758-1161.

Fall Quarterly BCCNC Meeting

Saturday, September 20^th immediately following the Workshop on Wellness. All interested are welcome.

Autumnal Equinox Healing Circle

Saturday, September 20^th following the Workshop on Wellness and BCCNC meeting. For information, call Dana Litaker at 910/584-3436.

Beyond Breast Cancer Celebration, 1997

The theme is "Navigating The System - Before & After Breast Cancer." The program includes Kathy Murphy of WXII-TV, breast cancer updates, complementary healing methods, self breast exam information, survivor fashion show and a special program from breast cancer survivor, Dr. Linda Park-Fuller.

Applebee’s Fundraiser

On Thursday, October 2^nd, some of the Applebee’s around the state will donate 10% of their evening dinner proceeds to BCCNC. Julie Curry of the Wilmington Applebee’s is working to get as many restaurants involved as possible. Call her or contact your local Applebee’s to see how you can help!

NC Charlotte Race For The CureÒ

Saturday, October 4^th in Charlotte. Based on the turnout for the Triangle Race, this promises to be another great event! Call Ellen Cuthbertson at 704/375-0617 for more information.

Body & Soul ’97

This one-day program is designed by health care professionals and breast cancer survivors to provide information & experiences of interest to women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer, particularly those diagnosed before age 50. Opportunities are provided to explore the latest medical opinions on breast cancer issues, as well as strategies for coping with the physical, emotional and spiritual impacts of cancer, with health care professionals and other breast cancer survivors & families. Registration must be received by September 23^rd. Call-in registration until October 1^st. No on-site registration. For information, call Susan Booth at 919/648-2748.

NC Pink Ribbon Campaign

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 5-12, 997, has been proclaimed Pink Ribbon Week in NC. During this week, people are encouraged to participate in breast cancer awareness activities and to wear pink ribbons. For more information or to obtain ribbons, contact your local health department.

In October (date to be determined), the Zeta Tau Alpha Alumni of Wilmington will sponsor their third annual dinner theatre benefit for breast cancer awareness. Contact Louise Bland (910/792-1871) or call our 800 number for more information.

As you can see, we’re continuing our work with breast cancer awareness and advocacy. We appreciate your support and hope you will continue to help us do our work in North Carolina.

If you are already a member and your membership has expired (check for the "exp" on your mailing label), please renew your membership by filling out this form and mailing it to BCCNC. Any new or renewing membership received after September 1^st will be effective through 1998.

If you want to join BCCNC and participate in our fight to eradicate breast cancer, please fill out this form & send it to the address below.

We are excited about our work and think we’re making great progress; but to be really successful, we need YOUR support and participation!

we can make a difference!