Breast Cancer Health

Komen SF 3rd Annual Many Faces One Voice Conference

Thank you for joining us at our 3rd Annual Conference: Many Faces One Voice - A Community Dialogue on "What's New, What Works, & What's Needed" in Breast Cancer Health!! We truly enjoyed the presence and participation of such a diverse group of 180 breast cancer community providers, activists, medical professionals, as well as survivors. Below are the links to download the powerpoint presentations of:

Keynote_Tangerine Brigham_Healthy SF Program_Providing Universal Access to Care

Keynote_Ellen Shaffer_National Health Reform_What Does it Mean for Women and Women with Breast Cancer

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Did you know? Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death for women in California. One in eight women will develop breast cancer. Regular screening for breast cancer can detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage and save lives. There is 96% survival rate over 5-year period.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure State of Breast Cancer Report documents the great strides made in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and research that have turned millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors. This report also serves as a guide, listing specific actions you can take right now to save lives and bring us closer to the cures.

Understanding Breast Cancer

Are you looking for information about breast cancer? Welcome to Understanding Breast Cancer, your source for up-to-date information on breast cancer. This is a website developed jointly by Susan G. Komen for the Cure® HQ and Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention. Here you will find the latest information on diagnosis and treatment, risk factors & prevention and early detection and screening, and a host of other topics—like complementary therapies and life after treatment.

Breast Self-Awareness

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Learn more about what you can do to increase your Breast Self-Awareness .

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:

1. Know your risk.

  • Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
  • Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened.

  • Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk
  • Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
  • Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40

3. Know what is normal for you.

See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:

  • Lump, hard knot or thickening
  • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
  • Change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Dimpling or puckering of the skin
  • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
  • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
  • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
  • New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices.

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Add exercise into your routine
  • Limit your alcohol intake

Resources in the San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure funds breast health and breast cancer education, outreach, screening, support, and treatment services for undeserved populations through our yearly grant cycle. Click here to see the programs we are funding for the 2008-09 program year.

The Bay Area Breast Cancer Resource Guide is a comprehensive listing of breast health and breast cancer resources maintained online by the Northern California Cancer Center (NCCC). This guide includes regional and national organizations, support groups, counseling, child care, screening, diagnosis, treatment and financial assistance and is designed to help individuals make more informed decisions and take charge of their health.

Other Online Resources

For other helpful online information about financial resources and informational resources on early detection, treatment, clinical trials, and complementary therapies, please click here: Other Resources.

Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC) provides a Spanish/English bilingual, toll-free, national Telephone Assistance Line (866-THE-CLRC), educational seminars, clinics, information on cancer-related public policy issues and legislation, and conferences on cancer-related legal issues to survivors, caregivers, and health care providers in California.

National LGBT Cancer Network works to address the needs of all LGBT with cancer and those at risk.

Healthy San Francisco is a program designed to make health care services accessible and affordable to uninsured San Francisco residents.

Ambassador Nancy Brinker's ABC7 View from the Bay interview with Janelle Wang

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON BREAST HEALTH!

Click here for the Komen NetQuiz.

View our Downloadable Educational Resources:

Facts for Life about Breast Cancer

Download Breast Self-Exam Cards

Questions to Ask your Doctor about Breast Cancer