Thank you for visiting our Blog. We invite you to explore these articles highlighting breast cancer topics. Written by staff writer and editor Helana Shumway, along with other members of our community, these entries provide valuable information, personal insights, and inspiration to help you navigate your cancer experience and connect with the resources available through the Coalition.
For more information or to ask a question, please email info@bccr.org. Thank you for visiting us here.
More Than Chemo Brain
Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) refers to changes or challenges in memory, concentration, attention and executive functioning (like planning, organizing, or emotional regulation) because of cancer treatment. Commonly referred to as “chemo brain” or “chemo fog,” CRCI can result from chemotherapy, along with other cancer treatments like radiation, hormone therapy, surgery, immunotherapy or other targeted therapies.
Reflections from the Getting Our Fair SHARE Conference
The SHARE conference focused on advancing health equity through addressing four important themes: access to care, financial toxicity, health literacy and psychosocial impact for those living with breast or gynecologic cancer.
PALS Matches: How Peer Mentors and Mentees are Connected
The Coalition’s PALS (Peer Advocates Lending Support) Program is a peer mentor program connecting those newer to a diagnosis with those further along in their cancer experience.
What is a Breast or Gynecologic Cancer 101?
A Breast or Gynecologic Cancer 101 is an opportunity for a one-to-one session to help individuals manage emotions of a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis. These sessions are available to those who have recently been diagnosed or to those at any point in their cancer experience.
A Turning Point in Research
In 2022, Sangwoo Park was the first recipient of the Breast Cancer Coalition’s newly renamed Pamela Delp Polashenski M.D. Breast Cancer Research Trainee Grant. Dr. Park was kind enough to recently share exciting updates on where his research currently stands.
Integrating Complementary Therapies
At the Breast Cancer Coalition, we are dedicated to serving individuals from the point of receiving a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis onward. While undergoing (or after completing) treatment, some may explore complementary therapies as an additional layer of support.
Sexual Wellbeing Following a Gynecologic or Breast Cancer Diagnosis
The World Health Organization defines sexual health as, “…a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality.”1 The definition goes on to discuss the importance of consent, safety, and an opportunity for pleasure in examining sexual wellbeing.
Peer Advocates Lending Support – The Power of Relationship
The PALS (Peer Advocates Lending Support) Program connects those who have recently received a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis with a mentor, or someone who has “been there.”
Triple Negative Breast Cancer: The Need for Research and Advocacy to Address Racial Disparities
While the term “breast cancer” sounds like a single disease, there are in fact several different types of breast cancer. The four main subtypes of breast cancer are luminal A, luminal B, HER2-positive, and triple negative.
Palliative Care
For many, the term “palliative care” can feel overwhelming and even frightening. It is not regularly discussed in everyday life, and the unknowns associated with this type of care can be off-putting. At the Breast Cancer Coalition, we are passionate about providing educational resources surrounding topics that relate to breast and gynecologic cancer survivors.