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(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070122/NYM084LOGO)
Written for readers who have an interest in breast cancer but no formalbackground in the biology of the disease, the State of Breast Cancer reportprovides information on advancements in diagnosis, treatment and research thathave made breast cancer a survivable disease for more than 2 million people inthe United States. But the news is not all good. The report also explorescultural, social, educational and financial barriers -- or disparities -- thatprevent many people from getting screening and receiving life-saving breastcancer care.
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"Komen's goal was to produce a report that gives people understandableinformation about breast cancer and reminds them that this battle is far fromover," said Eric P. Winer, M.D., Komen's chief scientific advisor. Komenissued the report in part because of concern that there may be complacency onthe part of some and a false sense among many Americans that breast cancer isunder control and no longer a major threat to a woman's life. Said Winer,"Too many people -- particularly people of certain ethnic and racialminorities and those with little or no health insurance -- still dieneedlessly of breast cancer."
Along with statistics and information about the biology of the disease andtreatment approaches, the State of Breast Cancer report provides practicalways for people to engage in the breast cancer movement. An extensive breastcancer resource list and a glossary of terms are included.
"The State of Breast Cancer will surprise and upset many readers. Peoplewho get upset are usually inspired to take action, and that is what we hopereaders will do," said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen forthe Cure.
Written for Everyday Readers
Prior to producing the report, Komen conducted extensive research to findout if a report like the State of Breast Cancer was available. Existingreports were written for physicians and researchers, and their language washard for everyday people to understand.
In addition to providing breast cancer information for patients,activists, family members and caregivers, this status report on breast canceris also intended to help members of the media and public policymakersunderstand the basic characteristics of the disease, the ways it is detected,how it is treated and survived and the reasons why members of specificpopulation groups die of breast cancer in disproportionate numbers, despitemedical treatment that could save their lives.
Milestones, But Miles to Go
From a timeline that pinpoints major milestones in the global breastcancer movement, the report moves into an overview of screening and treatmentadvances and then quickly segues into healthcare disparities information thatmost readers will find surprising. For example:
The centerpiece of the publication is the breast cancer mortality report,funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure and published in April 2006. Under thedirection of Dr. Harold Freeman, president and founder of the Ralph LaurenCenter for Cancer Care and Prevention in New York, the study focused on eightU.S. communities plagued with high death rates from breast cancer. Its goalwas to find the common issues that lead to disparities in those areas.Findings from the report include the following:
Domestic and Global Challenges
The State of Breast Cancer report introduces readers to additionalchallenges that slow the progress toward delivery of the cures, including thelack of a standardized and nationwide system to preser
