Cleaning out the Cobwebs

I must admit, I have been neglectful of late and it’s gotten a bit dusty around here. As it is wont to do, life took over. The cobwebs aren’t just virtual, though – they are metaphorical as well; it’s pretty dang dusty inside me head of late! So here’s a quick update of what’s been keeping me busy:

National Breast Cancer Coalition

There are countless breast cancer “charities” out there…from beheamoth organziations of international scope, to local support centers active in our various communities. NBCC is of particiular note as a stand-out national advocacy organization supporting an agenda of finding a cure, and I proudly join them next month as we work to move that agenda forward! In addition to Joy’s wonderful overview of NBCC, there are some valuable & important links to related projects and efforts.

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER COALITION
–by Joy Simha, NBCC Executive Committee

At The National Breast Cancer Coalition every bit of business we do begins with a moment of silence (MOS) to remember an incredible breast cancer advocate who has died since our last gathering. The MOS grounds us and reminds us about why we are there. And every day as I sit down to my desk to write, I look at the faces of all the women I know who have died of breast cancer. I also, in some cases, look at the faces of their children, because I know that I want to end breast cancer because they are without their mothers.

Not Funding Mammograms for the Cure

In a thinly veiled move that defies explanation, Susan G Komen For the Cure has chosen to pull the plug on mammograms for low-income and/or underinsured women. What might their next step “for a Cure” be?

Slate on Komen     Jezebel on Komen

The Role of the FDA: Avastin and Other Drugs at What Price?

This week’s breast cancer headline: the FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted unanimously to withdraw Avastin as a treatment for metastatic breast cancer, though it remains to be seen whether FDA Chair Margaret Hamburg will ultimately suspend Avastin. Genentech, as well as patients and doctors are still pushing, and Medicare has announced that it will continue to pay for the drug for breast cancer patients. Avastin will remain available for the treatment of other cancers, and can ultimately be prescribed “off label,” though it may no longer be covered by private insurance if the FDA withdrawal comes to pass.