May 21, 2024, leading members of the NY Cancer Resource Alliance (NYCRA) held a special meeting with State Senator Patricia Canzoneri‐Fitzpatrick (of Senate District 9) to discuss critical issues associated with women's cancers. This initial meeting of the minds offered cancer updates from the field, including statistics, diagnostic trends and the continuing battle with restrictive insurance coverage.
Executive Director Lennard Gettz and Sr. Cancer Imaging expert Dr. Robert Bard outlined plans under NYCRA's Women's Health Initiatives sighting the ongoing cancer crisis in underserved communities. Among their programs included: (1) a Public Dense Breast Screening project (2) Earlier Detection for younger women ages 20‐39 and (3) the need to support a statewide Gene Predisposition testing.
Further topics of collaboration also included the ever‐haunting 'CANCER PLUMES'‐ or concentrations of breast cancer cases in specific geographic regions of the state. "Physicians have always held the responsibility to do more for their patients", says Dr. Bard. "Learning about the Senator's personal understanding about the cancer community enforced my faith in the public sector... and my own commitment to do more for the voiceless many with education and by supporting their health with early detection and second opinion diagnostics."
According to Dr. Gettz, "scheduling a Q/A with our local senator is a smart opportunity to ask the hard questions and inquire about how we can truly make a difference about women's health issues like breast cancer. Ultimately, we hope to have a public voice on our side to champion a crusade to save more lives." This year, NYCRA's outreach campaign blossomed directions for an expanded network of resources, empowering new action plans. "Our alliance is comprised of some of the most inspiring role models in the community", says Dr. Roberta Kline, educational director of the Women's Health Initiative. "The launch of our 2024 Women's Health Initiative is due in great part to our latest partner and cancer crusader Ms. GERI BARISH (R) of the Hewlett House... she introduced us to Senator Fitzpatrick and other local lawmakers and gave us great insight on community outreach. Her guidance turbo‐boosted our mission by finding partners who are truly supportive advocates for women's health!"
FROM THE INTERVIEW WITH SEN. PATRICIA CANZONERI‐FITZPATRICK ON IMAGING OF DENSE BREAST/BREAST CANCER SCREENING
"I had a personal experience where mammography showed nothing, but the sonogram did find a lump. So I am fully aware on a personal level that that sonogram potentially SAVED MY LIFE. Though it turned out to be benign for me, it was just very startling to know that mammography showed absolutely nothing but the sonogram did. So I fully support what (NYCRA & the Women's Health Initiative is) saying because I'm a product of that."
ON EDUCATION & AWARENESS
I recognize that we need to make education available. We need continue supporting the groups that are trying to bring awareness to underserved communities. I serve on the Women's Issues Committee, and we frequently are dealing with issues that are affecting minority groups and underserved communities. I continue to support those efforts. I can tell you that there is a bill that I supported to ensure ovarian cancer survivors have the right to screenings for their health conditions, for which they're at a high risk, because we need to continue the screening to prevent these illnesses from progressing.
On the men's side, my husband was only 42. He had never had a colonoscopy and screening could have saved his life. So yes, a different cancer but the premise is there that we need to have education and more screening. We need to make it available in order to address the under‐diagnosis of these women's health issues.
There were multiple bills that I've supported regarding clean water efforts, because I do think, especially on Long Island with our breast cancer rates being so high, most people think it comes from the water. The fact that we're the fourth highest death rate, that that's not a statistic that we want to have ...Are we doing better with our screening? Are we doing better with detection? We need to continue to improve. I will say that as we've discussed research funding for research to try to figure out what is driving these high rates of cancer, is certainly something that I think we need to continue to advocate for funding for the research funding for water testing.
Video News Release: Innovations in Early Detection "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. |
My mobile mammography event program (in Elmont, NY) promotes early detection and saving lives. We're trying to get that message out because Elmont is a community that we want to get the same access to healthcare, and we need to bring awareness to them and bring that mobile unit there. Now, we just discussed how maybe ultrasounds might have been a better way, but these are the tools that are open to me, and I certainly will continue to advocate for them. One of the groups was the (Adelphi) New York statewide breast cancer hotline and support group. And I advocated and wrote letters to make sure that they were funded because their hotline is serving so many people. That's a privately funded program that's (now) getting some support from the state. We need to continue to have screening partnerships like this‐ and with local hospitals to make sure that we are getting out the word to people that they go for their screenings.
Breast cancer cases in younger women 20‐39)‐ It's so disturbing to hear that statistic from a research standpoint. It looks to me that when you have breast cancer that young, that it's from an environmental impact. If there's genetic history, we need to make sure that we're getting those young women and young girls to the proper detection screenings‐ especially if there is a family history.
I think that that's very critical that we continue to educate this age group. It's really very disturbing, especially because I have three daughters and to think about them getting sick at that age is really very troubling. I think we have to start even in schools and make sure that they are aware of the value of self‐exams. If there is a history, they need to get to their doctor sooner. And in those cases, I do think that the insurance should cover it. I don't think we should be bound by insurance companies telling us how to practice healthcare. That's a big problem. My insurance didn't want to cover my sonogram. They wanted to provide mammograms every other year, but not the sonogram. So I do think we can do better here... to make sure that the insurance companies are protecting these women.
I see a couple of barriers; I'm sorry to hear that reaching out to the OBGYNs has not been successful because certainly I would think that they want their patients to do well. I would think that it needs to start at the top with the Department of Health, requiring education of the doctors regarding these issues. And if we can potentially pass legislation that says that the Department of Health has to come out with regulations to require these doctors to have updates to their best practices and standards,
then you're going to see that "okay, now I have to do it!". The barrier (of resistance) that we mentioned which of course is always there, and it's also from the insurance and getting them to pay for it. So I think if we start with Department of Health and they come out and say that this is the best practice, they educate the doctors and then it becomes a dictate on the insurance companies that they are need to give those screenings. If there's a determination that this woman needs to have a sonogram and a mammography at an earlier age, that's where I think you can actually get some results. I think we need to start at the top at the Department of Health and talk to them and see how we make this change.
LEGISLATIVE VOICE
The way it (kind of) works up here in Albany is that if you've got a point that you're pushing and you have a lobbyist that's trying to get you heard, you can talk to them about what legislation you think would help you‐‐ that's typically the process. And if you don't have somebody that's doing that for you, I certainly would be happy to be a person that presents legislation that would help your cause and what you're doing. So I'm happy to be a voice for you in Albany if you tell me what we can do to help you.
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Public Service Announcement
"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!"
Part 2: 27 Year Old Stage 3 Breast Cancer Victim Survived - Despite of Docs Who MISDIAGNOSED! The Women's Health Collaborative and EARLIER DETECTION advocate Alexandra Fiederlein interviewed breast cancer survivor Jamie Butera about her journey to getting checked to save her own life. When her own doctor said, "You're Way to Young for it to be Breast Cancer"- Jamie's instincts told her different. By 'demanding' the right screening and tests, she found that she had Stage 3 breast cancer. "Be your own advocate, get the answers you deserve... if I didn't seek answers when I did, I would only have had 2 months to live!" (See complete story) |
June 30, 2024- In our unending search for inspiring clinicians and health specialists in the life-saving battle against cancer, our next spotlight goes to Rajiv V. Datta, MD, Director of the Division of Surgical Oncology and Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Datta is also the Medical Director of the Mount Sinai South Nassau. Dr. Datta is one of the leading head and neck surgeons in the U.S. and an international leader in surgical oncology.
A major concern is the presence of breast cancer in underserved communities, including those TOO YOUNG FOR A MAMMOGRAM. Whereby the medical community touts the recommended (and legal/billable status) of getting a mammo scan should be between 40-50, what happens to the many women who do not fit this age criteria? How would they even know to get checked without the support of their clinicians or an alarm from family history? Decades into the battle against breast cancer, clinicians and the public are much more educated about EARLY DETECTION, PREVENTION and the current protocols and modalities available to save lives. Recent headlines on DENSE BREAST and the advancements in ULTRASOUND SCANNING supports a major part of this battle. SEE COMPLETE FEATURE
WATERBURY, Conn. (October 12, 2023) JOE CAPPELLO/ARE YOU DENSE? FOUNDATION RECEIVES KEY TO THE CITY FROM MAYOR O'LEARYWaterbury celebrated a citywide Pink Out on Thursday, October 26th! Saint Mary’s Hospital Foundation has once again partnered with the City of Waterbury to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness. Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary, Saint Mary’s Hospital President, Kim Kalajainen and special guest Joe Cappello will address organizers and volunteers from the Waterbury Police and Fire Departments as well as the Education Department, area students and others at 11:00 a.m. at Waterbury City Hall.
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) |
PinkSmart NEWS: National Dense Breast Disclosure Law 9/10/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
National Dense Breast Disclosure Law, takes effect on 9/10/2024
6/18/2024 - Hartford, CT. The Are You Dense Foundation is proud to confirm the National Dense Breast Disclosure Law on September 10, 2024 at the Connecticut Legislative Office Building. This groundbreaking law aims to empower women by ensuring they receive crucial information about their breast density during mammography screenings.
Connecticut is taking the lead in championing breast density awareness, recognizing the importance of transparency and informed decision-making for women's well-being. The National Dense Breast Disclosure Law requires healthcare providers to inform patients about their breast density during mammography screenings. By providing this vital information, women can better understand their individual risk factors and seek appropriate medical care. Together, we will celebrate this historic moment and the power of knowledge in women's healthcare decisions.
This event marks a significant milestone in women's health. According to co-founder and executive director Joe Cappello, "this law is a bold step in implementing this law is expected to set a national precedent... in September, this law will become effective nationwide, ensuring that women across the country have access to this essential information. This law showcases Connecticut's commitment to women's health and its determination to make a positive impact on a national scale. By raising awareness about breast density and empowering women with knowledge, lives can be saved and the overall well-being of women can be improved."
This event is welcome to the public to attend. September 10, 2024 (11am - 1pm) at the at the Connecticut Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Ave #5100, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT. There will be guest speakers and a light lunch. For more info, visit: www.AreYouDense.org and www.AreYouDenseAdvocacy.org
REMEMBERING NANCY
6/15/2024- In celebration of the upcoming birthday of the late Dr. Nancy Cappello (Oct. 30), the ICRS (Integrative Cancer resource Society) gives honor to her courage and life-saving pursuits to bring global awareness about the risks of Breast Cancer from the link to dense breast tissue. Dr. Cappello’s work to inform women about the risks of dense breast tissue led to density inform laws in 35 states. Her advocacy also led to bringing clinical reform to earlier detection screening. According to Dr. Roberta Kline (Women's Health Digest medical publisher) and Dr. Leslie Valle- Montoya (ICRS exec. director), "...though we all know her passing to earmark a major movement in women's health, honoring the birthdate of such a figure posthumously (we feel) better resonates a more loving and eternal remembrance of message by breathing continued life to her legacy!" (See original source: ITN NEWS)
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