Finding a cure now...so our daughters won't have to.

Archive for July, 2011

Reconstructive Surgery Update: Silicone Breast Implants Not ‘Lifetime Devices’

Posted By on July 15th, 2011 at 8:54 am | 0 comments.

According to a recent FDA report, silicone breast implants are not made to last a lifetime.  Potentially half of all women who receive them for reconstruction – and 20% of women who receive the implants for augmentation — will need the implants removed within 10 years.

The conclusion was reached after the FDA examined data from post-approval studies and from its own adverse event reporting system, in conjunction with completing a literature review. Capsular contracture, reoperation, and implant removal were found to be the most frequent adverse outcomes with silicone implants. Other common adverse events of which women should be aware include implant rupture, wrinkling, asymmetry, scarring, pain, and infection. The longer the women had implants, the more likely they were to have complications.

While it is important to note that the data is preliminary, the implants did not appear to cause breast cancer, reproductive problems, or connective tissue disease.  If you experience any of these difficulties or complications, talk with your doctor about your options.

Request for Applications for Refunds for Research Grants

Posted By on July 15th, 2011 at 8:53 am | 0 comments.

Are you a breast or cervical cancer researcher in PA looking for additional funds? Dr. Marius Sudol, shown left,  is a past recipient of a PBCC Refunds for Breast & Cervical Cancer Research grant – and you could be next! $50,000 competitive grants are now available to PA researchers who apply. Thanks to Pennsylvania taxpayers generously donating their state tax refunds, over $2.8 million has been raised and every penny is given out in grants to cutting edge researchers.

Please visit PBCC.me/RFA for the full Request for Application and budget forms. Letters of intent are due to the PBCC by July 29th, and full proposals are due August 30th. The grant period is January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012.

We encourage all breast and cervical cancer researchers to apply. Help spread the word to your personal and professional network about this opportunity. Please contact PBCC Program Director, Jennifer Pensinger at jennifer@pabreastcancer.org if you have any questions.

Home Run Derby in Full Swing!

Posted By on July 15th, 2011 at 8:52 am | 0 comments.

We kicked off the Home Run Derby with a rally at the Capitol in Harrisburg and have been on the road in the PBCC pink van ever since! Batters across the state have been stepping up to the plate with their family, friends, and coworkers in the stands to support them. Why don’t you come out and add your voice to the crowd?

If you live near one of the locations taking part in the Home Run Derby, we’d love it if you’d come out to show your support. Baseball fans, breast cancer survivors, community leaders and their families have been inspired to cheer on the teams and enjoy a day out at the ballpark while doing it. Who knows, maybe you’ll be motivated to be the one in the batter’s box next year?

So check out our website to find a location near you or to browse pictures from where we’ve already taken a swing against breast cancer. We’re still on the road for another couple of weeks, so keep your eyes out for our pink van, too! (If you see us on a highway near you, be sure to wave!)

PBCC Conference Awardees Announced

Posted By on July 15th, 2011 at 8:51 am | 0 comments.

Join us in honoring the 2011 PBCC Conference Award Recipients on Tuesday, October 11! Dr. Thomas G. Frazier, Medical Director of the Main Line Health – Bryn Mawr Comprehensive Breast Center, and Mimi Barash Coppersmith, Chairman of The Barash Group, will receive the Pink Ribbon Award. Dr. Susan Domchek of the Abramson Cancer Center and the University of Pennsylvania will be presented with the Potamkin Award.

 

The Shining Light Award will be given to Grassroots Partners Rob Ziemba and Jon Jehrio for their continued support of the PBCC through an annual ice hockey event featuring the Hanson Brothers. These deserving individuals have each made significant contributions to the fight against breast cancer. Their contributions vary in nature, with some battling the disease in a medical setting through treating patients or conducting research while others participate through advocacy or fundraising efforts. Want to be a part of the celebration? Register now to receive the early bird rate on your registration.

President’s Corner – Study Affirms Mammograms Save Lives

Posted By on July 15th, 2011 at 8:50 am | 2 comments.

A recent study published in Radiology affirmed what we at the PA Breast Cancer Coalition have advocated for years – mammograms save lives. The study – which spanned 29 years and followed 130,000 women in two communities in Sweden – found that deaths from breast cancer declined 30% among the group of women who received regular screening as opposed to the group that did not.

This news supports the longstanding position of the PBCC that early detection saves lives. In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a recommendation against routine mammograms for women in their 40s and also recommended that women in their 50s be screened every two years instead of annually. At that time, the PBCC strongly disagreed with the Task Force and instead encouraged women over 40 to continue to schedule annual mammograms.

It is our hope that this new data will encourage the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to reconsider their previous recommendation so that women aren’t receiving mixed messages on the importance of mammograms and early detection to overall prognosis and treatment.

Highest Score in 2011 at the Washington Wild Things

Posted By on July 11th, 2011 at 12:38 pm | 0 comments.

Winning Team: Neuman's CrewNow yes, this was only the third Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer home run derby in 2011. But our winning team broke the 2,000 point mark! There is no other way to say it…WOW! Take a look at our scoreboard from CONSOL Energy Park.

Single Batters out at the Washington Wild Things:

U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy Stopped By CONSOL Energy ParkWe also had two home runs at CONSOL Energy Park! Joe Oliphant from Neuman’s Crew and Bill Klenoshek from Enterprise Car Rental Team 2 both tipped it over the outfield fence. Congratulations!

Special thanks to U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy and PA Rep. Brandon Neuman for stepping up to the plate at the Washington Wild Things!

Thank you to the teams, volunteers, and the Washington Wild Things staff for making Saturday’s visit a success! Check out the article about our winning team, Neuman’s Crew, over on the Canon-McMillan Patch website. And browse through the photos from Saturday’s event.

 

 

Erie SeaWolves Step Up to the Plate

Posted By on July 11th, 2011 at 10:27 am | 0 comments.

Charlie L. from the City of Erie TeamOn Friday, July 8th, the PBCC crew and the pink van traveled to the home of the Erie SeaWolves, Jerry Uht Park. Nestled in downtown Erie, the breeze from Lake Erie was present to cool off the staff, volunteers, and most importantly, the batters for the Home Run Derby. To top of the perfect weather, the staff at the Erie SeaWolves continues to shine. They were always willing to help and made the event a smashing one!

Check out our scoreboard for the day:

Home Run Hitter: Jeff JonesWe also were lucky to have two home runs at Jerry Uht! Brian King from TESCO & the Fette Family Team 1 and Jeff Jones from Icing on the Lake Team 1 both knocked the ball over the back fence! Congratulations!

Thank you to WICU and WJET for stopping by to highlight the event. Also a big thanks to all of our volunteers! We would not be able to have our events without you! Take a look at all of the photos from our day at Jerry Uht Park!

Lehigh Valley Kicks Off #PBCCderby Tour

Posted By on July 7th, 2011 at 2:17 pm | 0 comments.

Winning Team: Landrum LumberjacksThe first Home Run Derby event of 2011 was a huge success on Wednesday, July 6th! Coca-Cola Park was the perfect setting for batters, volunteers, and spectators to show their support for the kick off event. Teams celebrated the chance to be on the same field that the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs use for every home game. Check out how our 2011 Lehigh Valley Home Run Derby teams did!

We also had a great showing of Single Batter support in the LV.

  • Chuck Asman Second Set – 475 points
  • Chuck Asman First Set – 350 points
  • Matt Strouse – 285 points

Brandon Weiss from Wells Fargo BattingCongratulations to the Landrum Lumberjacks on their win at the LV! Brett Landrum from the Landrum Lumberjacks hit our FIRST home run of the 2011 #PBCCderby season!

The PBCC would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers and the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs for setting the bar high! WFMZ Channel 69 as well as Blue Ridge Cable 13 stopped by to check out all of the action. As soon as we have the footage, we will be sure to publish it.

The pink van and the PBCC staff are on the way to Erie now! Get set for the live coverage Friday, July 8th at http://pbcc.me/live.