Thursday, May 23, 2024

Who is: JOE CAPPELLO?

PinkSmart News presents our next installment of the WHO IS series- proudly introducing the life's work of Mr. Joe Cappello. Nestled deeply in the cancer advocacy world, Joe's mission to make a difference started when his late wife, Nancy was afflicted with cancer.  Right then and there, a change-maker was driven toward a life-long crusade to bring awareness about prevention and early detection. 

FROM MUSICIAN TO MUSICFEST NATIONAL ADVOCATE
A Personal Crusade in Life Saving Advocacy

FOREWORD
By: Barrie Kolstein (Music Philanthropist & Cancer Survivor)

Music can be a viable source of fundraising and do good things for people. This goes back well before my time into the fifties and forties with The Concert for Bangladesh (George Harrison) in 1971. There's also Wembley Stadium in the nineties with QUEEN in LIVE AID-- and WE ARE THE WORLD that did tremendous good for Africa.  This inspired ongoing concerts that continue throughout every genre including the classical and jazz communities.  The New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Dallas Symphony have all partnered with major cancer charities.  Recently (2023), the American Symphony joined with Sloan Kettering to form “American Symphony: Become a Lifesaver” to increase registration of blood stem cell and marrow donors to the national registry and improve access to blood stem cell transplants [1].  Music has a very strong voice this way. People listen…and they love and enjoy music. And if you have the right people working on these fundraisers and representing these fundraisers, it can be quite effective!


AN INTERVIEW WITH JOE CAPPELLO, CO-FOUNDER OF THE “ARE YOU DENSE” FOUNDATION
I don’t know too many people that actually plan a life in advocacy.  I'm Joe Cappello and I am the co-founder and CEO of a national organization called “ARE YOU DENSE?” – an educational foundation supporting awareness about the realities of dense breast tissue and its connection to breast cancer. 

Click photo to visit Nancy's Story
 When you are entering into advocacy work, you’re asking for challenges that comes at you 90 miles an hour. Usually, it’s because of a life-changing event that impacts you from normal to a super abnormal way- and that's what happened in my case.  My wife Nancy was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer. We were convinced that her cancer happened because of the lack of clinical information and diagnostic tools available at the time.  We could not avoid becoming advocates very quickly to let everyone know on a global scale just how deadly this level of ignorance and lack of knowledge actually was.  

Click to visit "Underdiagnosed"
Our passion to connect with clinicians, to research for answers and to get the word out about this apparent health problem about dense breast tissue in our community all became our new reality.  When we were faced with this challenge, we realized that we needed to inform the general public about the health concerns about breast density.  Doctors already knew about breast density and the ramifications of having dense breasts- but the growing population (40%+) of women that have dense breasts may NOT know what it means.  We wanted to build a public awareness and informational program about getting the right screening- particularly with an ultrasound or possibly an MRI as a necessary complement to the mammogram.  

POST RETIREMENT AND A SECOND PUSH WITH MUSIC
I had a couple of companies; a busy real estate office in Connecticut.  I was also a musician where I co- developed and marketed a portable drum kit. I was in charge of sales for “Traps Drums” throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.  It was very lucrative and had a lot of fun with it but I eventually sold the business in 20__. Managing the ARE YOU DENSE? Foundation is another form of business even though it's a very emotional and personal.  It’s hard work to do fundraising and ‘getting the word out’ demands major focus and personal resources.  

Play Video: Musicians for Cancer Causes
Since I'm a musician, I realized the strength and appeal of music to the community, such that this advocacy work was going to be funded by something to do with music, which no one else did!  So the very first event we produced was called the Are You Dense Musicfest back in 2009. It was quite a successful event and we raised quite a bit of money for the organization. We ended continuing this direction with music events, growing larger venues each and every year. We've had it in large auditoriums including the Palace Theater.  This year, we sold out the Seven Angels Theater in Waterbury, Connecticut and as fundraisers go, that's very exciting! We stay alive because of the generosity of people and we're always so grateful for all of that.


ADVOCACY: A REWARDING CHOICE OF LIFE ALTERING WORK
Before this, my wife and I were enjoying my retirement from an exhausting career set. Advocacy changed my life dramatically, immersing us both into a relentless schedule of doing public education, talk shows and group conferences.  We also formed a second non-profit called 'Are You Dense Advocacy' - dedicated to driving a national legislation. Through this form of government intervention, this legislation mandates that all mammography facilities must inform all patients with dense breasts about their condition- and employing the complementary use of imaging (such as ultrasound) for better scanning.  We went to Washington and helped pass legislation on the national stage which affects the safety and health of every woman in the country.  

Click to visit the Proclamation report

As of September 10th, 2023, 38 states officially passed this upgrade in early detection! It is understandable that you could double the amount of cancers found - and how many lives you could save with PROPER early detection.  This WIN is a message to the world about dense breast tissue and that not one woman would ever need suffer the terrible fate that my wife suffered and perished from- due to the lack of information at a time when women remained underdiagnosed.  This all became my calling in life now to be an advocate- never thinking I'd ever be one. 

Click for full story: "Supporting Diagnostic Leaders"
ON PARTNESHIPS AND A NATIONAL COMMUNITY
You never do this kind of work alone. You always need to count on the help of other people that are in different factors in life. We're not doctors but when facing a problem, you experience the side of the problem that doctors may not always see. Thanks to our excellent advisors, we complete the circle of understanding about this health issue.  Among some of the finest luminaries in cancer diagnostics and education is Dr. Robert Bard in New York City. People like him really helped make it happen for women and for our cause. He has done so much in the ways of collaborating with Are You Dense? on education, public awareness and explaining the entire science of breast density from a clinical perspective that draws more women to the urgency of early detection.  His work also attracted other docs nationwide to join our mission.  


THE CAPPELLOS' WORK SPARKS MODERN RESEARCH & CLINICAL CHANGE

Click photo for full report
2022-2024 BREAST DENSITY SCREENING & REVIEW
The Dense Breast paradigm continues to plague our population of the underdiagnosed and underserved women. uniting with public advocates and legislative change makers like the ARE YOU DENSE? FOUNDATION raises significant public awareness in both the clinical and patient communities (see news feature).  Meanwhile, a cohort study from Molloy University linked to Bard Diagnostic Imaging of NYC received great support from the medical research and diagnostic society to help spearhead a private study to collect data in underserved areas and age groups.  This pilot study helps to offer new insight and data in support of the launch of future biotech trials and public advocacy about dense breast research programs.

"Are You Dense?" Foundation Co-founder Joe Cappello joins the medical diagnostic community to promote the "Get Checked Now!" campaign. Dr. Robert Bard from the Bard Cancer Center (NYC) supports supplemental imaging including the 3D Doppler Ultrasound scanner to offer dense breast detection.  This video presents some of the latest advancements in ultrasound features to detect tumors through dense breast tissue- reportedly a significant challenge with mammograms. 

LINKING DENSE BREAST WITH BREAST CANCER
Dr. Roberta Kline reports on the increased risk of breast cancer for women who have dense breasts. Until recently, the research has been lagging in terms of what's the molecular mechanism, why do dense breasts present an increased risk of breast cancer? Without this knowledge, we can’t address the root causes, and are left with a lot of trial and error based on incomplete understanding.  It's very encouraging to know that currently there are 124 clinical trials ongoing looking at dense breasts and the relationship with breast cancer, anywhere from improved diagnostics, to treatment, to prevention, and, what’s close to my heart, to understanding the molecular mechanisms - what's happening at the cell level, at the genetic level that is causing different women to have an elevated risk of breast cancer. 


UNDER THE LENS: LIVE BREAST CANCER CELLS IN DENSE BREAST TISSUE: An observational by Dr. Noelle Cutter study explores the functional phenotypic differences that make dense breast tissue. Because it is  widely noted that women with dense breasts have a greater likelihood of developing cancer, understanding the  pathways and changes in gene expression may offer the first avenue for the enzymes enrolled and drug targets for  personalized medicine in pursuit of developing better treatment options.  (see complete article)









Ref:

1) Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and NMDP/Be The Match Launch “American Symphony: Become a Lifesaver” Campaign https://www.mskcc.org/news-releases/mskcc-and-nmdp-be-match-launch-american-symphony-become-lifesaver-campaign#:~:text=Memorial%20Sloan%20Kettering%20Cancer%20Center%20(MSK)%20and%20NMDP%2FBe,transplants%2C%20especially%20for%20people%20in


Tuesday, May 14, 2024

"BOTH MY PARENTS HAD CANCER... I NEED TO TEST!

Originally published in Health Resource Digest (5/1/2024)

Samantha Hunt, 24 is a young cancer awareness advocate due mostly to the upbringing of two cancer survivors who are outspoken about environmental cancers and proactive testing ("Get Checked NOW!" program).  She is in a graduate program for social work and grew up in a household in support of prevention and early detection.
Since she was 9 years old, Samantha took on personal studies on breast cancer when she watched her mother (Jennifer) undergo a bilateral mastectomy for early-stage breast cancer.  Samantha's father was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, and her maternal aunt also had breast cancer. By her late teens into her college years, Samantha was convinced that she needed to have early screening, which is when she discovered she had dense breast tissue- a condition that is present in over half of women in the U.S.  [12]

Though currently testing negative for cancer, Samantha continues to undergo early detection through gene testing, ultrasound screening and maintains a significantly strict lifestyle of prevention (eating healthy/organic foods, no sugar, exercise, organic foods etc).  Early in life, she learned the value of staying proactive and getting a second opinion- never resting on reassuring words from physicians.  "Early on, my gyno didn't express any real sense of urgency about me getting an ultrasound test but gave me the referral just to make me happy...", stated Ms. Hunt.  "Even today (and sometimes even in the past with other breast exams), I often feel like they do it so quickly and carelessly, and I feel stressed out after...  I'm not convinced that I'm getting a proper examination!"


Samantha has received a total of 4 biopsies due to the "abnormally dense" breast tissue- a concern that scientists are now linking to breast cancer. [13] At an early age, Samantha took on a significant leadership role in her health to approve the biopsies despite the risk and concerns from her parents. "After my first sono, they found me to be 'very lumpy' and called on me to get a biopsy.  None of us were excited about this but if I was going to get any peace of mind, I made a decision to go for it and I'm glad I did. Honestly think I'd be more anxious knowing there's something that a doctor recommended that I should get a biopsy on!"



Thursday, March 14, 2024

CANCER PREDISPOSITION, HEREDITY & GENE TESTING

NYCRA NEWS- Genetic Predisposition (Vol. 1- Spring Issue 2024)


By definition, diseases like CANCER are not directly hereditary. Unlike genetic traits and characteristics passed down to children like blood type and eye color, chronic diseases like cancer are recognized to be contracted through the environment (external impact). However, as cancer is a form of genetic mutation, genetic changes that increase the risk of cancer CAN be passed down or inherited.  

When a specific cancer type is prevalent in one side of the family, the cancer is recognized as a FAMILIAL cancer. Most of them are caused by genetic mutation in a gene related to cancer susceptibility. In addition, a term called "family cancer syndrome" (or "hereditary cancer syndrome") is a rare disorder in which family members have an above-average chance of developing a certain type or types of cancer. Family cancer syndromes are caused by inherited genetic variants in certain cancer-related genes. [1]

It is reported that up to 10% of all cancer cases may be caused by inherited genetic mutation or changes. These are called CANCER PREDISPOSITION genes. Individuals who carry a mutant allele of these genes have an increased susceptibility to cancer. It is now widely identified that an accumulation of genetic or epigenetic alterations affect the conversion of normal cells to cancer cells. [2]



 GETETIC MUTATIONS
Oftentimes, researchers of hereditary cancers will reference breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2).  Specific alterations in these genes disable their function such that, inheriting such mutations may preclude you to contract breast (and other) cancers. Having a strong history of breast cancer may often be linked to acquiring a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Family members with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations often share the same mutation. [3]

Another predisposition scenario is Lynch syndrome; according to the CDC, carrying this condition holds a 1 in 2 (50%) heredity chance of your children also having Lynch syndrome. Genetic testing for Lynch syndrome can be considered once your children reach adulthood.  Similarly, the most common are hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome. Anyone with HBOC syndrome holds a higher risk for breast and ovarian as well as advanced and pancreatic cancers. [4]


GENE TESTING FOR CANCER RISK
Today's advancements in genetic tests can determine the possibility of an elevated risk of cancer. For those who come from a family with a history of breast and ovarian cancer make screening and treatment decisions. Not everyone needs to get genetic testing for cancer risk. Your doctor or health care provider can help you decide if you should get tested for genetic changes that increase cancer risk. They will likely ask if you have certain patterns in your personal or family medical history, such as cancer at an unusually young age or several relatives with the same kind of cancer.

Physicians may recommend genetic testing. It is advised to start with a genetic counselor who presents the potential risks, benefits, and drawbacks of genetic testing in your situation. Genetic counselors are also trained to review genetic test results with patients and/or their families and provide guidance in decision-making from those results. There are at-home genetic tests that one can order directly. Thanks to Dr. Google, there's more information on the types of consumer-accessible tests on the market- but these tests may have drawbacks or limitations when it comes to the prospect of genetic predisposition and genetic changes that increases cancer risk. Genetic counselors may be a helpful resource for identifying these test products as well.

For more information on what tests are available and who may want to consider them, visit the NIH/NCA Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Susceptibility Syndromes. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/genetic-testing-fact-sheet



REFERENCES
1) The Genetics of Cancer: NIH- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics#:~:text=A%20family%20cancer%20syndrome%2C%20also,in%20certain%20cancer%2Drelated%20genes.  The Genetics of Cancer |  2) Cancer predisposition genes: molecular mechanisms and clinical impact on personalized cancer care: examples of Lynch and HBOC syndromes - Published online 2015 Nov 30. doi: 10.1038/aps.2015.89 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4753377/#:~:text=Up%20to%2010%25%20of%20cancers,an%20increased%20susceptibility%20to%20cancer. |  3) Family Health History and the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes/ CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/breast_ovarian_cancer/fam_hist_genes.htm#:~:text=Normally%2C%20the%20BRCA1%20and%20BRCA2,%2C%20ovarian%2C%20and%20other%20cancers. |  4) Family Health History and Cancer: Which Hereditary Conditions Raise My Chances of Getting Cancer? / CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-  https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/family-health-history/index.htm#:~:text=Several%20hereditary%20conditions%20can%20raise,advanced%20prostate%2C%20and%20pancreatic%20cancers.
















Part 2: CANCER PREDISPOSITION & THE ROLE OF GENETIC TESTING
By: Roberta Kline, MD 

Cancer comes from one of two ways. One is that you have inherited genetic mutations that significantly increase your risk for specific types of cancer. But overall, that's a minority of cancer cases. The majority of cancers occur because of an interaction between your individual genes and the environment that they've been exposed to throughout your lifetime. Both of them can be tested for.  And if you know what you're dealing with, you can create a plan that's specific for you that enables you to be proactive. This enables you to have that locus of control that you know what's going on in your body, but you don't know if you don't test. Therefore, TEST- DON'T GUESS!  And then you can create your roadmap that works for you.

Especially with breast cancer, we know that 90% of the cases are not due to known inherited genetic mutations like BRCA1. The majority of them are due to very small changes in your DNA that interact with your environment over your lifetime that predispose you to developing breast cancer. But if you don't know that you have these predispositions, you can unknowingly be exacerbating the problem. If you've been tested and you know what your genes are doing, you can proactively create a plan to minimize your risk throughout your lifetime. 

"INHERITING CANCER & GETTING THE RIGHT TEST"
We understand genetic mutations to cause severe diseases, predominantly causing certain types of cancers. But rather than living in fear of what you may or may not have inherited from your parents, and whether you may or may not develop the same diseases that they carried- get tested, so you won't find yourself guessing.  Through gene testing protocols, you can precisely identify where you need to focus your resources, your attention- and when you can let go of that (unnecessary) fear.

Because genetic testing can be very specific, one of the biggest challenges for proactive people about their health is to know WHAT to test for. What test do you use? Is there a test that's better for you than others? These are important questions and the amount of information available (while great) can be quite overwhelming. The best suggestion is to speak to a trained medical professional or a genetic specialist who can help you navigate through the vast collection of available tests to find what is right for you.  What you want is a test that has value. And in order to have value, it needs to answer your questions and provide you a roadmap for what you can do proactively for your health for the future. 


DNA REACTIONS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS:
So when you look at the issue of breast cancer in Long Island and how it is tied to these environmental toxins, what you're seeing is these environmental toxins can potentially, if it's a large enough dose, create mutations in somebody's DNA, but what is most likely happening (and this I do have to check on,) what is most likely happening is it's overwhelming the body's ability to process these toxins. When your body processes any kind of chemical, including these toxins, it produces oxidative stress. When you have too much oxidative stress for your body to handle, this has a tendency of creating DNA breaks. So it's not the toxin directly causing DNA breaks necessarily, it's that your body can't get rid of that toxin fast enough or efficiently enough. And so its own biological processes that are supposed to deal with this are the ones that actually cause the DNA breaks (mutation) and the changes in the DNA that increase the risk of breast cancer. 

 This is the second part of that pathway by which estrogen as well as other chemicals can cause breast cancer.  Conventional medicine pays attention to the binding of estrogen to the estrogen receptor causing proliferation. Excessive proliferation can lead to a higher chance of DNA breaks. Every time that DNA replicates, (which is what happens when you create proliferation) when the cells grow, every time that DNA replicates, there's a chance that it will cause an error in that replication and leave a mutation in the DNA. Now, we have lots of processes that are built in to safeguard against that. We have DNA repair mechanisms, we have all sorts of machinery that is designed to catch breaks in the DNA before they get integrated into the person's biology. If you overwhelm that, those breaks stay. 

To note, estrogen itself is a toxin, even though we produce it ourselves. Studying the other part of estrogen metabolism, which is the same process that happens with all of these toxins is that it goes through what we call DETOXIFICATION or BIOTRANSFORMATION. You're transforming something that's potentially toxic, ultimately into a molecule or a chemical that is non-toxic and gets eliminated from the body. Within that process, you are often creating even more toxic chemicals in the intermediary stages, and that's what requires a high level of antioxidant defense as well as other biological systems to keep those contained and keep them in check and funnel them quickly into the benign molecules out of the body. This is the second way that you can create DNA damage that you can create cancer because you are overwhelming the body's ability to neutralize those toxic compounds that your body is creating as a result of whatever it's taking in. This has to do with oxidative stress, which is linked to INFLAMMATION, which we know underlies almost every cancer process. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ROBERTA KLINE, MD (Educational Dir. /Women's Diagnostic Group) is a board-certified ObGyn physician, Integrative Personalized Medicine expert, consultant, author, and educator whose mission is to change how we approach health and deliver healthcare. She helped to create the Integrative & Functional Medicine program for a family practice residency, has consulted with Sodexo to implement the first personalized nutrition menu for healthcare facilities, and serves as Education Director for several organizations including the Women’s Diagnostic Health Network, Mommies on a Mission. Learn more at https://robertaklinemd.com/

Friday, May 10, 2024

WBAB/WBLI Feature: Women's Health Collaborative

 

5/1/2024- The Women’s Health Collaborative (WHC) officially launches what educational director Dr. Roberta Kline calls “the ultimate alliance of women’s health champions”.   This united volunteer group consists of public resources for women’s cancer, dense breast advocacy, research foundations of complex disorders (ie. Endometriosis and pelvic floor issues) and medical specialists from the private sector.  This coalition aligns the promotion of ultrasound technology as the common life-saving solution for affordable and effective medical screening programs.  


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The 2024 Women's Health Resource Network Launches Ultrasound Screening Initiative for Underserved Communities

In support of the underserved and underdiagnosed women, the WHC was originally founded to bring early detection and public education about the many women’s health disorders that many find to be lacking in access and information. This doctrine united women’s health advocates like Geri Barish (Hewlett House), Joe Cappello (co-founder of the Are You Dense? Foundation), Dr. Robert Bard (IHRC / Integrative Health Research Center), Dr. Noelle Cutter (Molloy University Research on Ovarian and Breast Cancer research programs) and Nancy Novack (of nancyslist.org). “It’s time we wake up lawmakers and the medical community to re-evaluate the existing gold standards (like mammography),” stated Mr. Cappello during a Key to the City speech honored by Waterbury mayor Neil O’Leary. “We are finally picking up great steam in our national push to have all clinicians adopt the advanced results of ultrasound technology… as a sustainable and affordable solution for ALL women!” 

In a recent “Cancer Powermeet” event, leading advocacy leader Ms. Barish joined the WHC concept about “EARLIER DETECTION” in support of proactive screenings for women from 20-39.  “Due to the continuing rise in numbers of breast cancer cases in younger women, doctors need to change their thinking about starting checkups at 40.” Innovative screening plans comprise the use of ultrasound in screening centers and traveling vans as a starting point in underserved locations. For over 20 years, Ms. Barish has been active in state congress about a list of cancer related interests impacting women’s health including public initiatives like environmental causes and legislative change in healthcare protocols. 

THE NON-INVASIVE MOVEMENT
Cancer Imaging specialist Dr. Robert Bard presented a lecture in the 2024 Ultracon (AIUM) Symposium about diagnostic and screening innovations advancements the next stage in women’s longevity. “In the 1990's, 3D imaging allowed us to accurately detect uterine cancer, and particularly see abnormal ovarian tumors. In addition, imaging allowed us to detect an entire classification of ovarian cysts. Where ovarian cancer was once known as the ‘silent disease”, today's 3D ultrasound imaging brought the battle lines forward … as it can now identify potentially cancerous tumors in the glands in earlier stages pre-metastases. Creating a coalition promoting new education and clinical application of ultrasound is a game-changer-- offering a most affordable and highly accessible real-time scanning for immediate answers for women’s concerns”. 

The outreach team behind the WHC aims to connect with lawmakers and health professionals alike, in pursuit of change through awareness.  The Women’s Health Collaborative continues its mission to unite with new resources in support of better screening, community outreach and educational efforts to improve healthcare for women. 



PROGRAM 1: EARLIER DETECTION


27 YEAR OLD STAGE3 BREAST CANCER VICTIM SURVIVED - DESPITE OF DOCS WHO MISDIAGNOSED! In the year 2015, I was diagnosed with a stage three breast cancer on my right breast. It was a triple negative. When I did my own research, it just really means it tested negative on three aspects of tests with (I believe) estrogen.  I feel if I didn't follow my intuition or demand answers (since I found this lump), I wouldn't be here today because records have shown when we're younger, they don't really take it as seriously. I would say be your own advocate! Get the answers you deserve because there is always a cause. If you have a lump, obviously there is a cause for it. So even if they tell you otherwise, keep asking and keep digging for answers.  Find out the cause of this lump and more importantly, find out what it really is!  (See full report | Video)



PROGRAM 2: DENSE BREAST SCREENING























REMEMBERING NANCY CAPPELLO: In 2014, Imaging Technology News (ITN) introduced breast cancer survivor-turned-crusader Dr. Nancy Cappello and her story about having dense breast tissue leading to a late-stage cancer. A false negative mammography scan (diagnosed in 2004) concealed a large 2.5 cm suspicious lesion, which was later confirmed to be stage 3c breast cancer. This same cancer had metastasized to 13 lymph nodes. This sparked Dr. Cappello to create the "Are You Dense?" Foundation- an international awareness crusade to better support dense breast diagnostics and initiatives pass legislation to enact laws requiring mammography centers to inform patients about their breast density and the associated cancer risks. Dr. Cappello passed away on Nov 15, 2018, from secondary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a bone marrow cancer that was a complication of her prior aggressive breast cancer treatments. But she ignited a legacy of fighting for improved policies, imaging technologies and advanced research to better address this health crisis that puts the est. 40% of the female population (women with dense breasts) at risk of a false negative reading.

 


PROGRAM 3: GENE TESTING FOR CANCER PREDISPOSITION

TEST- DON’T GUESS! CANCER PREDISPOSITION, HEREDITY & GENE TESTING

Most CANCERS are not directly caused by inherited gene mutations. Unlike traits and characteristics passed down to children like blood type and eye color, which are a direct result of genetics, chronic diseases like cancer are recognized to be the result of an interaction between your genetics and your environment. These genetic changes that increase the risk of cancer CAN be passed down or inherited.  

When a specific cancer type is prevalent in one side of the family, the cancer is recognized as a FAMILIAL cancer. Many of them are caused by a genetic mutation in one or more genes related to cancer susceptibility, such as BRCA1 and breast cancer. This is also the case with a "family cancer syndrome" (or "hereditary cancer syndrome"), such as Lynch Syndrome, which is a rare disorder in which family members have an above-average chance of developing a certain type or types of cancer. It is reported that up to 10% of all cancer cases may be caused by specific inherited genetic mutations called CANCER PREDISPOSITION genes. Individuals who carry a mutant allele of these genes have an increased susceptibility to cancer. Research also shows that other types of genetic variations can also predispose to cancer including epigenetics.  It is now widely identified that an accumulation of genetic or epigenetic alterations can affect the conversion of normal cells to cancer cells. 

GET CHECKED NOW!  If you have family members that have been diagnosed with cancer, you may want to consider a comprehensive genetic test to get your personal biological blueprint which includes your predisposition.  Call today to speak to a genetic advisor for a free consultation at 212-355-7017. THE WOMEN'S HEALTH COLLABORATIVE is an all-volunteer support resource offering public awareness about health solutions for women. We are not a medical facility but are navigators in support of understanding the current resources available. We also provide public news, educational materials and information about the latest resources in specific health disorders. FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN and subscribe to the Women's Health Newsletter!  


"TEST, DON'T GUESS!"- Cancer Predisposition & the Role of Genetic Testing By: Dr. Roberta Kline  Cancer comes from one of two ways: inheriting genetic mutations that significantly increase your risk for specific types of cancer- but the majority of cancers occur from an interaction between your individual genes and the environment that they've been exposed to throughout your lifetime. Both of them can be tested for. And if you know what you're dealing with, you can create a plan that's specific for you that enables you to be proactive. This enables you to have that locus of control, that you know what's going on in your body, but you don't know if you don't test. Therefore, TEST- DON'T GUESS! And then you can create your roadmap that works for you. 

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT:
Cancer Science News features Dr. Ben Ho Park on EARLIER DETECTION & THE TYPES OF BREAST CANCERS



Ben Ho Park, MD, PhD, is Director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC). Dr. Park is also a Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine's Division of Hematology and Oncology. Dr. Park's research is dedicated to finding a cure for all types of breast cancer by investigating mutated and altered genes responsible for the development and progression of breast cancer, as well as genes that lead to drug resistance. He is actively involved with the VICC Breast Cancer Research Program’s clinical research team to translate his research into clinical practice and patient care.  (Complete interview & feature story)




NEWS RELEASE: The National Coalition for Ultrasound Screening

5/1/2024- The Women’s Health Collaborative (WHC) officially launches what educational director Dr. Roberta Kline calls “the ultimate alliance of women’s health champions”.   This united volunteer group consists of public resources for women’s cancer, dense breast advocacy, research foundations of complex disorders (ie. Endometriosis and pelvic floor issues) and medical specialists from the private sector.  This coalition aligns the promotion of ultrasound technology as the common life-saving solution for affordable and effective medical screening programs.  


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The 2024 Women's Health Resource Network Launches Ultrasound Screening Initiative for Underserved Communities

In support of the underserved and underdiagnosed women, the WHC was originally founded to bring early detection and public education about the many women’s health disorders that many find to be lacking in access and information. This doctrine united women’s health advocates like Geri Barish (Hewlett House), Joe Cappello (co-founder of the Are You Dense? Foundation), Dr. Robert Bard (IHRC / Integrative Health Research Center), Dr. Noelle Cutter (Molloy University Research on Ovarian and Breast Cancer research programs) and Nancy Novack (of nancyslist.org). “It’s time we wake up lawmakers and the medical community to re-evaluate the existing gold standards (like mammography),” stated Mr. Cappello during a Key to the City speech honored by Waterbury mayor Neil O’Leary. “We are finally picking up great steam in our national push to have all clinicians adopt the advanced results of ultrasound technology… as a sustainable and affordable solution for ALL women!” 

In a recent “Cancer Powermeet” event, leading advocacy leader Ms. Barish joined the WHC concept about “EARLIER DETECTION” in support of proactive screenings for women from 20-39.  “Due to the continuing rise in numbers of breast cancer cases in younger women, doctors need to change their thinking about starting checkups at 40.” Innovative screening plans comprise the use of ultrasound in screening centers and traveling vans as a starting point in underserved locations. For over 20 years, Ms. Barish has been active in state congress about a list of cancer related interests impacting women’s health including public initiatives like environmental causes and legislative change in healthcare protocols. 

THE NON-INVASIVE MOVEMENT
Cancer Imaging specialist Dr. Robert Bard presented a lecture in the 2024 Ultracon (AIUM) Symposium about diagnostic and screening innovations advancements the next stage in women’s longevity. “In the 1990's, 3D imaging allowed us to accurately detect uterine cancer, and particularly see abnormal ovarian tumors. In addition, imaging allowed us to detect an entire classification of ovarian cysts. Where ovarian cancer was once known as the ‘silent disease”, today's 3D ultrasound imaging brought the battle lines forward … as it can now identify potentially cancerous tumors in the glands in earlier stages pre-metastases. Creating a coalition promoting new education and clinical application of ultrasound is a game-changer-- offering a most affordable and highly accessible real-time scanning for immediate answers for women’s concerns”. 

The outreach team behind the WHC aims to connect with lawmakers and health professionals alike, in pursuit of change through awareness.  The Women’s Health Collaborative continues its mission to unite with new resources in support of better screening, community outreach and educational efforts to improve healthcare for women. 



PROGRAM 1: EARLIER DETECTION


27 YEAR OLD STAGE3 BREAST CANCER VICTIM SURVIVED - DESPITE OF DOCS WHO MISDIAGNOSED! In the year 2015, I was diagnosed with a stage three breast cancer on my right breast. It was a triple negative. When I did my own research, it just really means it tested negative on three aspects of tests with (I believe) estrogen.  I feel if I didn't follow my intuition or demand answers (since I found this lump), I wouldn't be here today because records have shown when we're younger, they don't really take it as seriously. I would say be your own advocate! Get the answers you deserve because there is always a cause. If you have a lump, obviously there is a cause for it. So even if they tell you otherwise, keep asking and keep digging for answers.  Find out the cause of this lump and more importantly, find out what it really is!  (See full report | Video)



PROGRAM 2: DENSE BREAST SCREENING























REMEMBERING NANCY CAPPELLO: In 2014, Imaging Technology News (ITN) introduced breast cancer survivor-turned-crusader Dr. Nancy Cappello and her story about having dense breast tissue leading to a late-stage cancer. A false negative mammography scan (diagnosed in 2004) concealed a large 2.5 cm suspicious lesion, which was later confirmed to be stage 3c breast cancer. This same cancer had metastasized to 13 lymph nodes. This sparked Dr. Cappello to create the "Are You Dense?" Foundation- an international awareness crusade to better support dense breast diagnostics and initiatives pass legislation to enact laws requiring mammography centers to inform patients about their breast density and the associated cancer risks. Dr. Cappello passed away on Nov 15, 2018, from secondary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a bone marrow cancer that was a complication of her prior aggressive breast cancer treatments. But she ignited a legacy of fighting for improved policies, imaging technologies and advanced research to better address this health crisis that puts the est. 40% of the female population (women with dense breasts) at risk of a false negative reading.

 


PROGRAM 3: GENE TESTING FOR CANCER PREDISPOSITION

TEST- DON’T GUESS! CANCER PREDISPOSITION, HEREDITY & GENE TESTING

Most CANCERS are not directly caused by inherited gene mutations. Unlike traits and characteristics passed down to children like blood type and eye color, which are a direct result of genetics, chronic diseases like cancer are recognized to be the result of an interaction between your genetics and your environment. These genetic changes that increase the risk of cancer CAN be passed down or inherited.  

When a specific cancer type is prevalent in one side of the family, the cancer is recognized as a FAMILIAL cancer. Many of them are caused by a genetic mutation in one or more genes related to cancer susceptibility, such as BRCA1 and breast cancer. This is also the case with a "family cancer syndrome" (or "hereditary cancer syndrome"), such as Lynch Syndrome, which is a rare disorder in which family members have an above-average chance of developing a certain type or types of cancer. It is reported that up to 10% of all cancer cases may be caused by specific inherited genetic mutations called CANCER PREDISPOSITION genes. Individuals who carry a mutant allele of these genes have an increased susceptibility to cancer. Research also shows that other types of genetic variations can also predispose to cancer including epigenetics.  It is now widely identified that an accumulation of genetic or epigenetic alterations can affect the conversion of normal cells to cancer cells. 

GET CHECKED NOW!  If you have family members that have been diagnosed with cancer, you may want to consider a comprehensive genetic test to get your personal biological blueprint which includes your predisposition.  Call today to speak to a genetic advisor for a free consultation at 212-355-7017. THE WOMEN'S HEALTH COLLABORATIVE is an all-volunteer support resource offering public awareness about health solutions for women. We are not a medical facility but are navigators in support of understanding the current resources available. We also provide public news, educational materials and information about the latest resources in specific health disorders. FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN and subscribe to the Women's Health Newsletter!  


"TEST, DON'T GUESS!"- Cancer Predisposition & the Role of Genetic Testing By: Dr. Roberta Kline  Cancer comes from one of two ways: inheriting genetic mutations that significantly increase your risk for specific types of cancer- but the majority of cancers occur from an interaction between your individual genes and the environment that they've been exposed to throughout your lifetime. Both of them can be tested for. And if you know what you're dealing with, you can create a plan that's specific for you that enables you to be proactive. This enables you to have that locus of control, that you know what's going on in your body, but you don't know if you don't test. Therefore, TEST- DON'T GUESS! And then you can create your roadmap that works for you. 


Video Part 1: Introduction & Spotlight on Nancy (Natl Dense Breast Disclosure Act)

Natl Dense Breast Disclosure Law (9/10/2024) Video Part 1