Every Day Matters

Recently Susan G. Komen® Southern Arizona hosted over 100 individuals in a state-wide webinar to have a frank and open conversation about metastatic breast cancer.

With metastatic patients, their care givers, healthcare professionals, non-profit professionals, plus state legislator/lobbyist and advocates, all participating in person at 30 locations via the webinar, the conversation focused on the unique needs of metastatic patients.
Led by Dr. Ana Marie Lopez, topics included the importance of metastatic support groups for both patients and respite for care givers, patient navigation, and the isolation felt by metastatic patients within the breast cancer community.
Dr. Lopez advised, “All options need to be on the table. For educational options, treatment options, for patients, caregivers, and health professionals put these all on the table.”
Participants in Kingman, Prescott, Safford, and Window Rock, voiced their concerns on the lack of available resources in their local communities.
Sister Eileen Mahoney for Saint Elizabeth Health Center stated that it is “Important for co-survivors or family members to ask about information so they can understand what is happening.”
Sarah Lydick who was present at the webinar shared a personal story of her friend who was affected by metastatic breast cancer. “Her biggest fear was that no one was going to be there for her. When she realized the support group was there for her, it was a big help,” said Lydick.
With such a large participation rate, Komen Southern Arizona is committed to continuing the conversation and assist in providing resources for metastatic patients.

What is MBC?
Also known as the fourth or advanced stage of breast cancer, this occurs when the cancer has spread from the breasts to the larger organs. Both men and women can be diagnosed with MBC and it can go anywhere within the body. After one is initially diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage, there is a chance of a reoccurrence or metastasizes and that ultimately become MBC. The risk factors as well as survival of MBC vary from person to person depending on when the person was first diagnosed, the biology of the tumor, and how the cancer was initially treated.

How to help?
Participants in the March 22 Race For the Cure® raise funds to assist those affect by breast cancer. Go to www.KomenSAZ.org to register, and for more information.