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Join Us In Washington, DC!
Each year a group of enthusiastic BCCNC members travel to Washington, DC, to attend the National Breast Cancer Coalition Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby Day. This year’s conference will be held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel from Sunday, May 3rd through Tuesday, May 5th. In addition, a tour and program at the National Cancer Institute is planned for Wednesday, May 6th. The cost of the conference is $75 (before April 1st), which includes a manual, snack breaks, lunch on Sunday & Monday, conference reception, and transportation to Capitol Hill and the National Cancer Institute.
Each year a group from BCCNC stays in a less expensive hotel and easily commutes to the meeting on the Metro. The conference is a great experience and very informative!
This year, BCCNC will offer 5 scholarships, $235 each, to members who
have never attended the conference. To apply for a scholarship, please write a brief
statement about why you would like to attend and what you hope to get out of the
experience. Scholarships are open to BCCNC members only. Applications must be
received by March 25th. Recipients will be notified by March 30th.
Send to BCCNC Scholarship Committee, PO Box 988, Mebane, NC 27302.
Breast Cancer Golf Festival
The Second Annual Breast Cancer Golf Festival will be held on May 28th in Southern Pines. Because of a very successful and popular inaugural festival in 1997, desire to participate in 1998 was high, but organizers can accommodate only 160 golfers. BCCNC plans to join other organizations again to provide education and something for the participants’ "goodie bag." We are considering several possibilities:
Volunteers at one or two holes to give out pink ribbon pins or bumper stickers
Survivors responsible for the pin flag on each hole
Volunteers at registration to help participants fill out wearable stickers ("in honor of / in memory of …")
What BCCNC does depends on how many volunteers we have. In addition to helping to
educate and raise funds, you can expect a day of fun and food on a beautiful golf course!
If this appeals to you, contact Mary DeHaye at 919/782-5971.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®
The Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure®, held on October 4th in Charlotte, was a great success! There were 23,000 registered participants, and over $215,000 raised. About $100,000 will be granted to organizations throughout North Carolina for breast cancer-related efforts.
The dates for this year’s races:
Raleigh will be Saturday, June 6th at Meredith College. Contact Jeanne Peck at 919/493-2873
Charlotte will be Saturday, October 3rd. Contact Penelope Wilson at 704/442-7223
A group in Wilmington is working to get a Race for the Cure® in 1999. To help, call Louise Bland 910/792-1871 or Janet Balasko at 910/763-8085.
North Carolina Support Groups
As a part of the mission of BCCNC, we are compiling a comprehensive list of breast cancer support groups within the state. In each newsletter, we hope to spotlight one group and list some active groups throughout the state. Let us hear about your group! Contact Jan Hartlaub, BCCNC Support Group Coordinator, at 800/419-5481.
Surry County Breast Cancer Support Group & Save Every Woman
Little did Wilma Musser of Dobson, NC, realize how much her life would change when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 1993. While recuperating from surgery, she was visited by a volunteer from the Pink Broomstick organization. The visit meant a lot to Wilma; and when she recovered, she knew she had a mission -- one that had been triggered by the volunteer’s concern and commitment for women going through breast cancer. "After my surgery I just wanted to help other women who might be experiencing the same thing I went through," Wilma recalls. The following January, Wilma mobilized a group of women with a vested interest in breast cancer. Their efforts resulted in a breast cancer support group that has now grown to forty-five members.
Wilma credits the group’s on-going success to a combination of "good programs and great people." Each meeting begins with a "reality check" for those in attendance. "We encourage the members to let us know what is going on with each one of them. We call every member before each meeting and encourage their attendance." Members come from as far away as Virginia to attend the monthly meetings held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Dobson. "We also inform members when there is illness or death in members’ families. Our families are a great source of help to us. Families and other support persons are encouraged to attend our meetings. We have had programs on breast reconstruction, nutrition, story-telling, bone marrow transplant, lymphedema, and of prime importance, are the programs when the women share their individual stories and concerns."
"I appreciate the updated information and the leadership in the group," says Faye Edwards, a 14-year survivor and charter member. Madeline Walker, a three-year survivor, says, "I couldn’t have gotten through my bout with cancer without the support group. The programs and being able to discuss my concerns with members helped me through my recovery." Another charter member, Angela Beamer, said, "sometimes when I’m feeling down and then come to the meeting, I really feel uplifted when the meeting is over. I enjoy the laughter and the friendship." Carolyn Largen, an 8-year survivor, "feels the group has been beneficial to me as an avenue to help others by giving back and witnessing to the community." She added, "the group is like a sorority without the rush."
This is not just an ordinary support group -- it is also an action group. Save Every Woman (SEW), evolved out of the support group. SEW’s name reflects their mission -- that of saving women’s lives. SEW maintains a high community profile by promoting breast health through educational programs, giving instructions for breast self-examinations and stressing the importance of early detection. They use the "Tell A Friend" materials from the American Cancer Society, and have received instruction on breast self-examination from Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. They meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Surry County Health Department. In 1997, the group reached 36 women and is hoping to reach more in 1998. SEW members work closely with the Surry County Health Department in recruiting needy women for preventative measures such as mammograms and pap tests. Six of the forty-five members are trained as Pink Broomstick volunteers, calling on women with breast cancer. In September 1997, Wilma took part in the kick-off events for Breast Cancer Awareness month in Raleigh. SEW is affiliated with the Southern Appalachia Leadership Initiative on Cancer (SALIC). In 1997, members went to Washington, DC, for the SALIC Summit. Later this year, they are planning to attend the Montreal Summit.
Wilma and friends are already preparing for the Pink Ribbon promotion in October. A task force is looking into developing a county-wide celebration that will include civic organizations, churches, the Health Department and other interested people.
For information on the Surry County Support Group or SEW, contact Wilma Musser at 336/320-2825, or Mary Jane Smith at 336/352-3983.
Partial List Of NC Support Groups
Alamance County:
African-American Breast Cancer Support Group, held the second Wednesday at 6:30 PM at Cover’s Mastectomy & Medical Supply Shop, 1242 South Church Street in Burlington. Call Dondi Alston 336/222-1129.Asheville:
Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant, held the second Monday at 10:30 AM and the fourth Tuesday at 5:30 PM at Life After Cancer, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville. Call 704/252-4106.
Avery & Mitchell Counties:
Breast Cancer Support Group, held the fourth Tuesday at 7 PM at the Mitchell County Office in Spruce Pine. Contact Donna Buchanan at 704/733-1185.Forsyth County:
Bone Marrow Transplants, held the first Tuesday at 7 PM at Cancer Services, Inc., 107 Westdale Avenue, Winston-Salem. Contact Nina Ann Stokes at 336/716-2676.Forsyth County:
Pink Broomstick, held the first and third Thursdays at 12 Noon at Cancer Services, Inc., 107 Westdale Avenue, Winston-Salem. Contact Linda Miller at 336/725-7421.Greensboro:
Share Breast Cancer Support Group, held the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM, Moses Cone Memorial Hospital AHEC.Lee County:
Breast Cancer Support Group at American Cancer Society. Call 919/774-7000.Orange County:
African-American Breast Cancer Support Group, held the third Thursday at 7 PM at the American Cancer Society office in Westgate Plaza, 3500 Westgate Drive, Durham. Contact Pearl Shelby at 919/682-3316.Wilmington:
Karen Jo Smith Breast Cancer Support Group, held the first Thursday, 7 PM at the YWCA Activity Center, 2815 S. College Road in Wilmington. Call 910/799-6820.Maybe this is your experience … your support group, clinic or agency would like to support and stay abreast of activities & achievements of BCCNC, but you’re not interested in becoming a Chapter, and not everyone has gotten around to becoming an individual member.
We now have the answer for you! Our new Organizational Affiliate membership category is designed to let your group have the benefits of receiving a copy of the newsletter along with periodic updates on events, promotions and policy issues. For only $25, your group can join the list of individuals who provide valuable support toward our efforts, and get recognition in our newsletter. The Breast Cancer Awareness Month Coalition of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County is the first group to take advantage of this new category. We hope to see more in the future!
Thanks Applebee’s Grill!
Over $7,000 was raised during the October fundraiser at Applebee’s Grill restaurants throughout NC. Julie Curry, Manager of the Wilmington Applebee’s Grill, led this effort.
Applebee’s Grill and BCCNC hope to do the same in 1998 with even greater participation! Contact Julie Curry at the Wilmington Applebee’s Grill or Louise Bland at 910/792-1871 if you would like to help.
Porter’s Neck Benefit
Thanks to the Porter’s Neck Shopping Center Opening Benefit, which raised $700 for BCCNC.
New Horizons In Chemotherapy And Research In Breast Cancer
James M. Granfortuna, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Piedmont Cancer Institute
Editor’s Note: The following article is a summary of Dr. Granfortuna’s presentation at The Women’s Hospital of Greensboro’s "Facing Forward: Hope For The Future" symposium on February 7, 1998.
New Chemotherapy Agents
Taxanes. Derivative of the Pacific Yew tree. Taxol/Paclitaxil is derived from the tree’s bark; Taxotere/Docetaxil from the needles.
This group inhibits cell division and has very high activity in breast cancer. Some studies are showing comparable or better results than Adriamycin. Ongoing studies are integrating with other active drugs (e.g., combining Taxol with AC).
Third Generation Vinca Alkaloids. Derivative of the Periwinkle plant.
Also inhibits cell division and shows significant activity in advanced breast cancer.
New Strategies For Existing Chemotherapy
Increase dose intensity with or without bone marrow support.
Use sequential drugs rather than in combination.
Give drugs in a different way.
Modify existing drugs.
High-Dose Chemo with Bone Marrow Support
Ongoing clinical trials to determine how much chemotherapy is necessary. Is more necessarily better?
Hormonal Therapy
Tamoxifen/Nolvidex is a modified hormone that blocks the estrogen receptor area of a cancer cell, preventing estrogens from promoting breast tumor growth.
Antiangiogenesis Therapy
Many tumors induce the formation of new blood vessels around them which allows them to spread. Certain proteins help in this blood vessel formation. Other proteins have been discovered that can counteract & inhibit the new blood vessel formation.
Two proteins currently in clinical trial for this purpose are TNP470 and Thalidomide.
More promising proteins recently isolated include Vasculostatin, Endostatin, and Angiostatin.
Vaccine Therapy
The "holy grail" in cancer medicine is to get the immune system to fight the cancer. Most cancers escape the body’s normal (& complex) immune surveillance mechanisms. There have been rapid advances in our understanding of the immune system over the last few years. This will translate into therapies that can restore immune function.
The Dendritic cell is a subset of a white blood cell which has a key role in initiating an immune response to a foreign protein. We are currently capable of feeding these cells specific proteins with the hope of generating a stronger immune response to various cancers. Current clinical trials are for breast cancer and melanoma skin cancer.
Gene Therapy Strategies
Make antibodies to overactive genes to slow down abnormal cell growth. Antibody to HER-2/neu gene in breast cancer is already showing promise with evidence for tumor regression in Stage IV breast cancer.
Replace suppressor ("brake") genes that have been deleted due to a malignant process. Recently, injections of the normal p53 gene directly into head and neck cancer has caused regression of these tumors.
Place genes into tumors that will make them more susceptible to treatment. The "suicide gene" -- a genetically-engineered virus that is easily killed by an antiviral drug -- is injected into brain cancer cells. The virus only spreads to dividing tumor cells. The patient is then treated with the antiviral drug and the tumor cell dies.
Place genes into normal stem cells to make them resistant to high-dose chemotherapy. This allows escalation of chemotherapy dosage without the need for bone marrow support. This is already being tested in clinical trials in breast cancer and leukemia.
Book Review:
The Breast Cancer Prevention Program
by Samuel S. Epstein, MD, David Steinman with Suzanne LeVert
By Jan Hartlaub
Some time ago, as I was browsing in the library, I spotted a book on breast cancer. I looked at it, then put it back on the shelf and continued looking for a good mystery. Ho-Ho! What is a bigger mystery than breast cancer? The book on breast cancer just kept getting my attention; and when I left the library, it was tucked nice and easy in my bag. I tried to ignore the book, but it just kept nagging me. Finally, I gave up and started reading. To my surprise, I found this book very interesting and easy to read.
In the introduction, the authors warn about the accuracy of study results first published in medical and scientific journals, then reported in the media. "Consider the source with skepticism. It is important to look at both who conducted the study or analysis and who is interpreting and publishing the results. Studies conducted or funded by a cancer establishment tend to trivialize or dismiss many risk factors because of its mind-set against preventive strategies or its financial ties to industries that benefit from breast cancer, including the cancer drug and mammography (radiology) industries."
Concerning the estrogen connection, they say, "The average woman is exposed to more estrogen over a longer period of time than ever before, and at the same time, she is exposed to the more carcinogenic or ‘bad’ type of estrogen than women were in the past." Estrogen-related risk factors for women include increased lifetime exposure to estrogen, and the contamination of food with estrogens and estrogen-mimicking industrial chemicals. They present additional risks: "poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and other detrimental lifestyle habits, such as the consumption of large amounts of alcohol… certain reproductive choices made today, such as deciding not to have any children, bearing a first child late in life, and choosing not to breast-feed also affect estrogen levels."
In addition to the easy-to-read text, there are many charts and suggestions to improve your odds of not developing breast cancer. In the final section of the book are resource lists for many subjects of importance to women trying to prevent breast cancer or recurrences. One address given for estrogen information is the American Menopause Foundation, Inc., Madison Square Station, PO Box 2013, New York, NY, 10010.
The book is organized in four main sections: 1) breast cancer risks, 2) the pill, estrogen replacement: pros & cons, 3) dietary & environmental breast cancer risks, and 4) finding out the truth about breast cancer.
The authors come on fairly strong against mammograms for young women, asserting that over a woman’s lifetime, she could receive too much radiation. However, they do not discount the importance of mammograms. They caution women to remember that mammograms are not infallible and that monthly breast self-exams and yearly clinical exams by a trained professional combined with mammograms all constitute good preventive measures.
In the final paragraph of the book, the authors say, "we hope this book has helped you achieve a sense of personal power and control over your health. We also hope that you take this sense of empowerment and act to change public policy and public attitudes."
North Carolina Legislation
Emma Lu Bullard reports that three laws relevant to breast cancer were passed in 1997:
Mandated physician approval before discharging a woman after a mastectomy.
Requiring that insurance companies that covered mastectomy or lumpectomy also pay for reconstructive surgery on both the affected and unaffected breast (for symmetry).
Prohibiting discrimination in employment and health insurance based on genetic information.
Life Choices Wellness Center
A Renewal Retreat for Women with Breast Cancer
Its mission is to provide a healing, loving environment in which women with breast cancer can reclaim a sense of personal power and choice in the process of moving toward physical and emotional wellness as well as a spiritual wholeness.
Life Choices Wellness Center Program is designed by a highly professional staff to address specifically the concerns of women with breast cancer. The seven-day structured program provides a supportive and creative environment, integrating the arts with spirituality.
The Center, located in Saluda, North Carolina, runs 40 week-long programs from March 23rd through November, for women who have breast cancer or who are recovering from breast cancer. Four to eight guests can be accommodated at one time. Potential guests are required to submit an application at least four weeks before the desired time of visit. Fees are determined on a sliding sale and need-based system. For information before March 22nd, call 704/749-1600; after March 22nd, call 800/439-0083.
Janet Balasko of Wilmington, Mijee Capan of Kure Beach, Carol Childers of North
Wilkesboro, Teresa Conrad of Cary, Cora Johnson of Wilson, Patricia Konarski of Cedar
Point, Susan Kopkind of Cary, Brenda Maness of Star, Glenda Orr of Durham, Deeda Palmer of
Greenville, Elizabeth Rose of Raleigh, Rebecca Sadler of Wake Forest, Stephanie Stansill
of Wilmington, Teresa Swaringen of Pittsboro, and Joy Wells of Wilmington
Hotline Matches Patients with Survivors
The Bloch National Cancer Hotline has been established to match each caller/patient with a trained volunteer who has survived the same type of cancer. The match is made as closely as possible based on age, sex, cancer type and stage. They do not give medical advice, but simply talk from personal experience. Call toll-free, 24 hours a day at 800/433-0464.
We Need Your Help!
Workshop Planners
-- We are looking for several people to help plan our 1998 Workshop on Wellness. We’ve had very successful workshops the past several years (thanks to Jamie Konarski!) and need help to maintain the tradition. Curious or willing should call Barbara Parker, 919/782-1099.Internet Site
-- Anyone interested in helping to develop an Internet web page for BCCNC should contact Linda Brown at 919/942-6905.Resource Directory
-- With funding from the Raleigh Susan G. Komen Race For The CureÒ , Jamie Konarski is working towards completion of our statewide breast cancer resource directory. Anyone interested in helping on this project can call her at 919/758-1161 or 919/758-4567.
Thank You
For special donations from …
Marcia Reinholtz in memory of Myrtle Proctor of Greensboro
Rebecca Sadler, Kathy Maultsby & Marti Miller in honor of Barbara Parker and in memory
of Barbara’s brother, Arthur Marion White
Upcoming Events
Eat Your Prunes!!
From February 2nd through April 30th, all retail purchases of any brand of California prunes will generate a donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation from the California Prune Board (maximum $100,000).
Alternative Medicine
Wednesday, March 11th at the Greensboro Mariott. This course introduces the medical professional to alternative medical therapies currently being used in the US today. Gain an understanding of herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and alternative therapies used in the treatment of disease. For information, call 800/856-0371.
Spring Equinox Healing Circle
Saturday, March 21st. For information, contact Catherine Andrews at 919/563-9818 or call our 800 number.
** Quarterly BCCNC Meeting **
Saturday, March 28th at Columbia Raleigh Community Hospital
from 9-12. Bring a dish to share for lunch. For information, contact Barbara Parker at
919/782-1099 or call our 800 number. All are welcome!
Don’t Be A Fool!!
Wednesday, April 1st. Applebee’s Grill and Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority are sponsoring a benefit for BCCNC from 5-9 PM at Applebee’s Grill in Wilmington. They will hand out breast self-exam shower cards during this "Don’t Be A Fool" campaign on April Fools Day.
2nd Annual
Breast Cancer Golf Festival
Thursday, May 28th in Southern Pines.
Raleigh Race For The CureÒ
Saturday, June 6th at Meredith College. Contact Jeanne Peck at 919/493-2873.
3rd Annual
Saving Our Sisters … Together!
Saturday, June 27th. Hosted by Save Our Sisters of Wake. Details to follow.
Charlotte Race For The CureÒ
Saturday, October 3rd. Contact Penelope Wilson at 704/442-7223.
Congratulations
To Dr. James M. Granfortuna of the Piedmont Cancer Institute in Greensboro -- he was recognized as "Healer of the Year" by the Piedmont Chapter of BCCNC.
Project LEAD Held in NC
Eight women from North Carolina recently attended Project LEAD in Durham. Project LEAD is a science training program sponsored by the National Breast Cancer Coalition, designed to train breast cancer activists to serve as consumer advocates on the local, state and national levels. Instruction is given in clinical medicine, basic science, epidemiology, and leadership development skills.
BCCNC’s Barbara Parker and Sue Moore, graduates of previous LEAD programs, shared their experiences since completing the course. They told the students to learn as much as they could in the various sessions, to continue their education efforts when they returned home, and to look for ways to empower and educate women in their communities.
1998 Memberships . . .
As you can see, we’re continuing our work with breast cancer awareness & advocacy. We appreciate your support and hope you will continue to help us with our work in North Carolina.
If you are already a member, please check your mailing label to make sure you’re membership is active for 1998.
If you want to renew or join in our fight to eradicate breast cancer, simply return this form, along with your contribution, to the address below.
We are excited about our achievements and think we’re making good progress; but to really be successful, we need your support & participation!
we can make a difference!