outlook WINTER 2022 — VOLUME 27
OUR MISSION The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.
IN THIS ISSUE 2
• Message from Outgoing BCA President, Meg Russell (continued) • 5K Run/Walk for Hope
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• Message from Incoming BCA President, Courtney Olsen
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• 2022 BCA Grant Recipients
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• BCA Research Spotlight
• BCA’s Boards, Council and Sterling Club
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• Photo Highlights from 2021
10• Male Breast Cancer 11 • One Woman’s Story 12 • Save the Dates
MESSAGE FROM MEG RUSSELL, BCA PRESIDENT In preparation for writing this letter, wrapping up my two years as President of Breast Cancer Alliance, I revisited the letter I wrote at the start of my tenure. Looking ahead with excitement in January of 2020 felt very different than looking back with today’s lens. No one could have predicted at that time what the next few years would hold and no one would have believed it anyway. I had hoped that my years at the helm of this wonderful organization would be full of growth and exciting developments. While we had a slower build than hoped, I feel confident that we were able to meet those goals in spite of the challenges brought on by the pandemic. At first, it seemed that fundraising for our grantees would take a back seat to the more immediate needs of COVID. As time went on, however, it began to seem appropriate to host events again, although virtual, and remind our donors that breast cancer did not take a pause for COVID and therefore, neither could we. Here we are, two years later, and I’m proud to say that BCA is in excellent health. Our Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show in October, held both in person at Westchester Country Club and via live-stream, was an indicator of how much our donors had missed celebrating together. Thankfully held at a unique moment when it felt safe to gather in larger groups and with strict adherence to safety guidelines, we were once again able to be together to hear motivating speeches, see beautiful fashions and honor our inspiring Models of Inspiration. This year’s co-chairs, Jen Dreilinger, Lori Kron, Sarah Meindl and Paige Siek did
an incredible job pulling this event together, all the while unsure if we would be able to host in person. I am so grateful for their energy, hard work, senses of humor and perseverance, all of which were necessary in making this event such a success. We also held many other productive events this past year, including our annual golf outing, a virtual poker tournament, wine tastings and a family game night, just to name a few. We turned our Get Fit For Hope challenge into a month-long wellness event, with online fitness classes, seminars and cook“WHILE IT MAY ing demonstraNOT HAVE BEEN tions; we truly THE YEAR WE had something PLANNED, IT for everyone on CERTAINLY our calendar. In WAS A YEAR moving our site WE CAN LOOK visits with our BACK ON WITH grantees online, SATISFACTION we were able to AND CONTINUED invite a wideGRATITUDE FOR YOU, OUR LOYAL spread audience SUPPORTERS.” to see how our dollars were being spent and the innovative programs we support. While it may not have been the year we planned, it certainly was a year we can look back on with satisfaction and continued gratitude for you, our loyal supporters. I must begin my thanks with singling out Mary Jeffery, my immediate predecessor. The strength, intelligence and care with which she oversaw BCA was a model for me and I thank her for her availability and support these past two years. I have no doubt that our incoming President, Courtney Olsen, Continued on page 2
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MESSAGE FROM MEG RUSSELL, BCA PRESIDENT (CONTINUED) Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS Meg Russell, President Michelle Abadir-Hallock, MD Kim Augustine Amy Dates Carbone Sandra Caruso Jill Coyle Sue Delepine Xandy Duffy Donna Hagberg, MD Mary K. Jeffery Lois Kelly Nina Lindia Stephanie Latham Karen Lowney Andrew Mitchell-Namdar Justin Nelson Courtney Olsen Jordan Rhodes Mary Jo Riddle Barbara Rodkin Nancy Rosen Trish Shannon Susan Weis Jane Gershon Weitzman Elisa Wilson Diane Zarrilli Molly Zola Sharon Phillips, Trustee Emeritus MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD K.M. Steve Lo, MD, Chair Eva Andersson-Dubin, MD Susan K. Boolbol, MD Patrick I. Borgen, MD Rachel Brem, MD Andrew J. Dannenberg, MD Alison Estabrook, MD Alexandra Heerdt, MD Brigid Killelea, MD Gregory S. LaTrenta, MD Linda LaTrenta, MD Donna-Marie Manasseh, MD Monica Morrow, MD Elisa Port, MD David L. Rimm, MD, PhD Andrea Silber, MD Barbara A. Ward, MD Richard Zelkowitz, MD
will bring her own brand of energy, passion and acumen to the position and BCA will be in wonderful hands with her leadership. Thank you to our exceptional Board of Direc“BCA IS A tors, Medical WONDERFUL Advisory Board, ORGANIZATION, Advisory Council, SUPPORTING Medical Review LIFE-CHANGING Board and our AND LIFEnew Sterling SAVING Club members PROGRAMS.” for their ongoing support and commitment to BCA’s mission. This organization is nothing without its volunteers and I personally have been so grateful for your continued involvement.
BCA is a wonderful organization, supporting life-changing and life-saving programs. Any time spent learning about or supporting our mission is time well spent, as the cure to breast cancer still remains elusive. With your help, we get closer to that cure every day.
BCA’S 5K RUN/WALK FOR HOPE IS BACK!
ADVISORY COUNCIL Jane Batkin Susan Bevan Frannie Burns Kathy Clark Frank Corvino Carol Crapple Nat Day Patti Fast Michele Haertel Kathy T. Hanson Susan and Brett Holey David Jones James McArdle Kenneth E. Mifflin Scott Mitchell Donna Moffly Betsy Donovan Nolan Maureen Perry Carol Santora Margaret Sinclair William C. Sinclair Nancy and Turner Smith Peter J. Tesei Marylou Williams Ramze Zakka FOUNDERS Lucy Day (1944-2020) Susan Elia (1944-2017) Kenny King Howe Valerie Marchese Cecile McCaull Mary Waterman (1944-1997)
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Thank you to our tireless Executive Director, Yonni Wattenmaker, who keeps so many balls in the air at once and makes it look effortless at the same time. Her unwavering dedication is a cornerstone of BCA’s growth and success.
www.breastcanceralliance.org
Grab your friends and family and run or walk with BCA on Sunday, May 1 when we bring back our 5K! This family-friendly event, presented by our long-time Sponsor, Omnicom Group, is perfect for runners and children alike. Second Wind will cover your race timing and prizes, and little ones can walk with parents and grandparents along the pretty route through Bruce Park in Greenwich.
Complimentary breakfast will be served by Z Hospitality Group and this year’s event will again be hosted by our dear friends and sponsors for over 15 years, Richards and the Mitchell Family. We are honored to call them part of our BCA family and thank them for continuing to be by our side for so many special occasions. As a response to challenges presented to underserved communities due to COVID-19, all proceeds from this event will be designated for BCA’s Education and Outreach grants, providing a growing number of underserved and uninsured patients with access to potentially life-saving breast health care. Learn more and register today at: breastcanceralliance.org/events
MESSAGE FROM COURTNEY OLSEN, INCOMING BCA PRESIDENT As a ten-year survivor of breast cancer, it is an honor and privilege to serve as President of Breast Cancer Alliance. Having been an active volunteer since 2012, I am in awe of BCA’s magnificent accomplishments. Whether we fund an uninsured patient’s biopsy, innovative research that may not otherwise have the capital, or the ongoing gift of a breast fellow, BCA is undoubtedly making a positive impact in the world of breast cancer. Even though we continue to live in uncertain times due to COVID-19, one thing remains unchanged — our commitment to our mission. We improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. Our 25th Anniversary Luncheon Fashion show in October was another heartwarming afternoon filled with admiration for our models of inspiration. BCA raised a remarkable $1.1+ million and as a result we will grant an incredible $1.5+ million! The challenges that COVID-19 has presented to our lives and the medical field only made us more resilient and adaptable. Our organization has evolved by offering virtual components and events like our Celebrity Poker Night, Kids for a Cause, our first-ever male breast cancer symposium and a Windows on the World Master Wine Course with Kevin Zraly. BCA is very excited to hold our annual 5K Run/Walk for Hope, in person, to kick off Wellness Month on May 1st.
Virtually, we continued to follow up with all of our grantees to hear the progress of our funding. At one of our virtual Education and Outreach site visits, board and committee members received a full tour of a mammography mobile! Unfortunately, the institutions we support are seeing higher rates of breast cancer this year due to pandemic related delays in seeking preventative care. Your support is more vital than ever before. I’d like to acknowledge outgoing President Meg Russell for her unflappable composure and incredible leadership in BCA’s most challenging years. Yonni Wattenmaker, our Executive Director, has BCA poised to have yet another successful year, in part because of her unwavering loyalty and innovative ideas. We are so fortunate to have an out“WE IMPROVE standing Board SURVIVAL RATES of Directors, AND QUALITY OF Advisory CounLIFE FOR THOSE cil and Medical IMPACTED BY Advisory Board BREAST CANCER who are genuTHROUGH BETTER inely devoted to PREVENTION, accomplishing EARLY DETECTION, our mission. TREATMENT
AND CURE.”
As I look to the future, I’m confident we will continue to grow and thrive, all while pursuing our objective of preventing and eradicating this disease that affects too many women and men. We are grateful for your continued support and we are most excited for the variety of opportunities and events to keep our goals at the forefront. Thank you!
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BCA IS PROUD TO HAVE AWARDED OVER $1.5MM IN GRANTS FOR 2022. THE RECIPIENTS ARE: EXCEPTIONAL PROJECT GRANTS
YOUNG INVESTIGATOR GRANTS
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH GRANTS
Barbara Fingelton, PhD, Vanderbilt University, Type II IL4 receptor blockade as a strategy for treating breast-to-brain metastasis
Raymond Acciavatti, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, Self-Steering 3D Mammography Supported by Stacia and Gary Smith
Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT
Hyungjin Kim, PhD, SUNY Stony Brook, DNA replication fork instability as a target for the synthetic lethality of breast cancer
Ana Christina Garrido-Castro, PhD, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Studying the evolutionary dynamics of tumor and immune microenvironment in triple-negative breast cancer
Xin Lu, PhD, Notre Dame, “Off-the-shelf” Novel Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) NK Cell Therapy for Metastatic TNBC Supported by the Jeffery family in honor of Karen Lowney David Rimm, PhD, Yale University, Budding Carcinogenesis; a novel pathway to malignancy Deborah G. Black Memorial Research Grant Anna C. Weiss, PhD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, The Impact of Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy on Breast Cancer Axillary Outcomes Supported by Jane and Stuart Weitzman in memory of Irma Wallin
Ryan Stowers, PhD, University of California – Santa Barbara, Understanding Epigenomic remodeling induced by tumor mechanical properties Jessalyn Ubellacker, PhD. Harvard University, Targeting metabolic vulnerabilities of breast cancer metastasis in lymph Alexander Valvezan, PhD, Rutgers University, Targeting triple-negative breast cancer by exploiting a metabolic vulnerability downstream of mTORC1
Cancer Support Team, Purchase, NY Danbury Hospital/New Milford Hospital, Danbury & New Milford, CT Paula L. Banwell Memorial Grant Gilda’s Club Westchester, White Plains, NY Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT Supported by Veronica Beard Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain, CT Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, Middletown, CT Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Center/ Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT Supported by the Mitchell family Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, CT Open Door Family Medical Center, Port Chester, NY
BREAST SURGERY FELLOWSHIPS
Saint Francis Hospital, Hartford, CT Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Bridgeport, CT
Shridevi Singh, MD, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rodkin Family Fellow
Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY
Anna C. Beck, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Tap Cancer Out Fellow
WE HAVE FUNDED 491 GRANTS TO DATE We continue to improve the outlook on breast cancer and are proud to have funded so many impactful grants and groundbreaking research despite the pandemic. With the uncertainty of federal funding, the need for private philanthropy for the advancement of cures continues to grow.
$ 130 Exceptional
Project Grants
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www.breastcanceralliance.org
242
Education and Outreach Grants
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Young Investigator Grants
50 Fellows
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: DR. JENNIFER ROSENBLUTH 2021 BCA YOUNG INVESTIGATOR
I’m a medical oncologist and scientist at University of California San Francisco and in both my clinical and research work, I focus on breast cancer. There are two ultimate goals for my research; the first is to facilitate new therapies for rare but highly aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, where we urgently need new options to offer to our patients, and the second is to develop new strategies for breast cancer prevention, where the research community has the potential to make a huge societal impact by preventing breast cancers from developing in the first place. We utilize a new method for culturing breast tissue — called organoids — to define the cell lineages present in the normal mammary gland as well as in cancer prone tissues. In my postdoctoral studies with Dr. Joan Brugge at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a former BCA grantee, we spent a lot of time trying to understand the impact of different components of the organoid culture system on breast tissues that are grown in a dish.
When we took tissues from patient donors and generated organoid cultures, and then compared these cultures at the molecular level to the tissue of origin, we were surprised at the extent to which molecular features from the tissue were preserved in culture. Because we are growing the tissues in an artificial environment, there are certainly differences, but they were much fewer than we expected. We continue to work on improving the system, but in the interim we were able to take this method and immediately use it to study some important cell types that were previously very difficult to study in the lab. These cell types are critical to investigate because they comprise the likely cellular precursors for a large subset of human breast cancers. By combining this model system with single-cell high resolution technologies, our research has yielded an increased understanding of the cellular heterogeneity present in normal breast tissue and has identified cell types associated with premalignant states. At the University of California San Francisco, in work funded by Breast Cancer Alliance, we are currently investigating specific pathways that promote these premalignant cell types in organoids that may be activated during the earliest stages of tumor development. We want to understand how changes in the diverse cell populations present in breast tissues contribute to the development of breast cancer. Some patients, for example those who have inherited a mutation in genes called BRCA1 or BRCA2, have a very high lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, and that risk is reflected in molecular changes in the breast tissue.
At both the normal and early cancer stages breast tissue is characterized by alterations in cellular heterogeneity that act to promote cancer development and can also be blocked to prevent cancer initiation or progression, and we now have the tools in place to be able to connect these alterations directly to potential strategies for breast cancer prevention that can be tested in the lab. I am very grateful to Breast Cancer Alliance, whose support has been critical for launching this project. As an Assistant Professor starting a lab, it is because of Breast Cancer Alliance that we have been able to accelerate our progress from day one. Importantly, we have also been able to interface with a won“I AM VERY derful team of GRATEFUL TO clinical invesBREAST CANCER tigators and ALLIANCE, scientists in the WHOSE SUPPORT Breast OncoloHAS BEEN gy Program at CRITICAL FOR UCSF who also LAUNCHING THIS believe that we PROJECT. AS can do more to AN ASSISTANT identify patients PROFESSOR STARTING A LAB, at highest risk IT IS BECAUSE OF of developing BREAST CANCER breast cancer ALLIANCE and develop THAT WE HAVE tailored breast BEEN ABLE TO cancer prevenACCELERATE tion strateOUR PROGRESS gies that are FROM DAY ONE.” based on each patient’s risk category. We believe that this will facilitate translation of research findings from the lab to the clinic even faster, toward our shared goal of improving the lives of patients with breast cancer and at high risk of developing breast cancer. To learn more about Dr. Rosenbluth’s work, join us for a virtual site visit on March 22 at 12pm EST. Email your interest to Kristen@breastcanceralliance.org.
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WELCOME BCA’S NEWEST MEMBERS OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS REBECCA DAVIS
KAREN COLELLA Karen Colella has been a BCA volunteer and supporter since 2014, shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She has served on BCA’s Education and Outreach Committee since 2016 and has co-chaired the committee for two years. Throughout the years, Karen has also been deeply involved in developing BCA’s relationships with community partners and businesses that have supported the organization’s GoForPink initiative as well as BCA’s Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show in which she was featured in 2016. Her most recent BCA role includes growing the organization’s digital strategy and social media outreach and presence. Karen resides in Greenwich with her husband and twin boys. She is currently a real estate associate with COMPASS Real Estate in Greenwich. In addition to completing courses of study at KLC School of Design and Christie’s Auction House, both in London, Karen holds a BS from Fairfield University and has completed graduate studies at Teacher’s College, Columbia University. Karen is honored and grateful to be joining BCA’s Board of Directors and looks forward to continuing to contribute to the ongoing efforts of BCA in improving survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer.
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Rebecca Davis worked in public relations and marketing in New York City for over 10 years, beginning in a boutique PR agency and later as the Senior Director for a National Children’s Health Non-Profit. Rebecca was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago at the age of 33. From the beginning of her treatment, she chose to focus on living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding toxins in personal care and home cleaning products. In 2019, she founded Essentially Namaste, making safer and healthier products with powerful essential oils that are known for their aromatherapy and healing benefits. A percentage of sales are donated to the BCA. Rebecca lives in Greenwich with her husband Luke, their two children Kiki and Henry, and their two rescue dogs Bernie and Layla. DEE MAYBERRY Dee Mayberry rejoins the board after serving on the Grants Committee for the last several years. She received her BA from Mount Holyoke College, and after a 15 year career in finance in NYC, at Bankers Trust Company, Chemical Bank and Bank of America, she settled down in Greenwich to raise her family. Dee’s volunteer duties have included Breast Cancer Alliance Benefit Luncheon co-chair, BCA Junior Committee co-chair, President of the Greenwich Academy Parent Association, Greenwich Library Board, Greenwich Hospital Gala co-chair, Junior League, Brunswick School, YWCA and Green Fingers Garden Club. Dee, and her husband, Rick have lived in Greenwich over 25 years and have three grown children.
www.breastcanceralliance.org
LAUREN SCHWEIBOLD Lauren Schweibold was graduated from Villanova University with her B.A. in Communications. Lauren enjoyed a long career in event planning at places like Bear, Stearns & Co., Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, KPMG, Guggenheim Partners and The Humane Society. She has since founded Madison Events and runs high caliber events of all kinds, corporate, private and non-profit. Lauren has been an active volunteer in organizations like the Pennsylvania Special Olympics, Safe Horizon, Minds Matter and Robin Hood. She was also co-chair of BCA’s Annual Luncheon and has remained involved as a consultant on PR materials and on committees such as the luncheon and Kids for a Cause. Lauren lives in Greenwich with her husband Andrew, and their son and daughter. MAGALI SWANSON Magali Swanson is actively involved in several Greenwich charities. She currently serves on the Board of Greenwich Land Trust, and was previously the Board President of Putnam Indian Field School (PIFS). She has chaired several events in town, including the BCA’s Kids for a Cause fashion show. Magali was previously a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where she primarily focused on financial services and retail clients. Prior to that, she spent 5 years at the technology startup, aQuantive, Inc. Magali received a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Princeton University. Magali and her husband, Matt, live in Greenwich. They have three children who attend GCDS, and a fourth baby who is due any day.
BCA MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD
BCA ADVISORY COUNCIL*
BCA STERLING CLUB
K.M. Steve Lo, MD, Chair Stamford Hospital
Jane Batkin Susan Bevan Frannie Burns Kathy Clark Jill Coyle Carol Crapple Nat Day Patti Fast Lisa Fischer Brett Holey David Jones Karen Lowney Evan Margolin James McArdle Kenneth E. Mifflin Scott Mitchell Andrew Mitchell-Namdar Donna Moffly Betsy Donovan Nolan Berk Nowak Maureen Perry Jordan Rhodes Ellen Schapps Richman Carol Santora Margaret Sinclair William C. Sinclair Nancy and Turner Smith Marylou Williams Ramze Zakka
Dr. Nora Disis, breast cancer survivor Director, Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle and BCA Exceptional Project Grant recipient
Susan K. Boolbol, MD Nuvance Health Patrick I. Borgen, MD Maimonides Medical Center Rachel Brem, MD George Washington University Alison Estabrook, MD Alexandra Heerdt, MD Memorial Sloan Kettering Brigid Killelea, MD Hartford Healthcare Gregory S. LaTrenta, MD Carnegie Hill & Fairfield County, Plastic Surgery Linda LaTrenta, MD Greenwich Hospital Donna-Marie Manasseh, MD Maimonides Medical Center Monica Morrow, MD Memorial Sloan Kettering Elisa Port, MD The Dubin Breast Center, Mt Sinai David L. Rimm, MD, PhD Yale School of Medicine Andrea Silber, MD Yale Cancer Center Barbara A. Ward, MD Greenwich Hospital
Dr. Steve Lo Oncologist, Stamford Hospital and BCA Medical Advisory Board Chair Joan Lunden, breast cancer survivor Host of PBS Second Opinion with Joan Lunden, Author, and Professor of Population Health at Lehigh University Andrea Mitchell, breast cancer survivor Journalist, anchor and NBC News commentator Ali Rogin, breast cancer previvor Foreign Affairs Producer at PBS NewsHour and author, Beat Breast Cancer Like a Boss: 30 Powerful Stories Anne Thompson, breast cancer survivor Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent, NBC News Katie Wee, breast cancer previvor Actress and yoga instructor Judy Woodruff, Anchor and Managing Editor, PBS NewsHour Melanie Young, breast cancer survivor Podcast host, Fearless Fabulous You! and author, Getting Things Off My Chest: A Survivor’s Guide to Staying Fearless and Fabulous in the Face of Breast Cancer
Richard Zelkowitz, MD Hartford Healthcare *This listing is as of April 1, 2022. For a current list, please visit breastcanceralliance.org/our-team
DEBORAH G. BLACK MEMORIAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH FUND Deborah G. Black served as BCA’s President and member of the Board of Directors for nine years. Her passion for her work was apparent as she helped transition the organization with new leadership, helped to formulate a strategic plan, and worked tirelessly to ensure BCA’s footing for the future. Deborah was also the co-chair of the Research Grants Committee, overseeing selection of the research BCA funded and visiting many of the sites personally for evaluation. At Debbie’s passing she left a large bequest to Breast Cancer Alliance to further its research granting ability. To date, over half a million dollars in scientific research grants have been given in her name, due to that generosity, and her legacy lives on. To make a donation to the endowment fund, please use the envelope in this issue of Outlook or email Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director, yonni@breastcanceralliance.org for more details.
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PHOTO MEMORIES FROM BCA’S 2021 LIVE EVENTS
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www.breastcanceralliance.org
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MALE BREAST CANCER On March 2, Breast Cancer Alliance will host a nationwide virtual medical symposium about male breast cancer (details in the box below.) The 2022 data has not yet been released, but The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2021, there would be 2,650 new cases of invasive male breast cancer and approximately 530 men would die. Breast cancer is about 100 times less common among white men than among white women. It is also about 70 times less common among Black men than Black women, but they bear a worse prognosis. For women, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is one in eight. For men, it is about one in 833. While there are no surefire methods for preventing breast cancer, risk factors are inherited or acquired traits, or lifestyle behaviors, that can affect your chance of diagnosis though they are not a guarantee of diagnosis. Any type of breast cancer that occurs in women can also affect men, but detection is a bit different as men do not traditionally undergo mammograms. A biopsy is done if the results of either a physical examination or imaging tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, show a concerning change in the breast.
During a breast biopsy, a sample of tissue is taken from the breast. A pathologist — a doctor who is trained to diagnose disease — then examines the cells or tissue under a microscope to determine whether or not they are cancerous. The most common risk factors associated with male breast cancer are age, exposure to higher levels of the hormone estrogen relative to the male hormone androgen, radiation, and a family history of female or male breast cancer. Aging is an important risk factor for the development of breast cancer in men as, like women, age increases chance of diagnosis. On average, men are most often diagnosed at 72 years old. Regarding family history, about one in five men with breast cancer have a close relative, male or female, with the disease.
The BRCA2 mutation is the most common genetic link to male breast cancer, making lifetime risk about six in 100, with BRCA1 mutations at about one in 100. Additional risks for men include Klinefelter syndrome, a man whose chest area has been radiated for other treatment (like lymphoma,) and heavy alcohol consumption, which may be due to its effects on the liver and how liver diseases like cirrhosis, can lower androgen levels, increase estrogen levels and lead to higher chance of developing benign male breast growth (gynecomastia.) Studies have shown that women’s breast cancer risk is increased by obesity after menopause. Obesity is also a risk factor for male breast cancer as well.
SINCE THE CAUSE OF MOST BREAST CANCERS IS UNKNOWN, THERE IS NO SUREFIRE WAY TO PREVENT DIAGNOSIS BUT THERE ARE THINGS MEN CAN DO TO LOWER RISK: ACHIEVE AND/ OR MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT. AVOID OR LIMIT ALCOHOL. FOR MEN WHO DRINK, THEY SHOULD NOT EXCEED MORE THAN TWO DRINKS A DAY. BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE. THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RECOMMENDS THAT ADULTS ENGAGE IN A MINIMUM OF 150 TO 300 MINUTES OF MODERATE INTENSITY OR 75 TO 150 MINUTES OF VIGOROUS ACTIVITY EACH WEEK (OR A COMBINATION THEREOF) WITH 300 MINUTES AS THE IDEAL.
What You Need to Know About Male Breast Cancer: A Webinar Wednesday, March 2, 7pm EST on Zoom In partnership with Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance
Special Welcome from Two-time Emmy winner and Super Bowl champion Michael Strahan Esteemed Panel: Dr. Steve Lo Medical Oncologist, Stamford Hospital and BCA Medical Advisory Board Chair Dr. Elisa R. Port Chief of Breast Surgery, Mt. Sinai Health System, BCA Medical Advisory Board Member and Director, Dubin Breast Center Steve Cone two-time breast cancer survivor
Evan Margolin breast cancer survivor
Judge Tucker Melancon two-time breast cancer survivor
Tickets for the event are free but donations are welcome. Register at breastcanceralliance.org/events This program was supported by a grant from Gilead Sciences. 10
www.breastcanceralliance.org
ONE WOMAN’S STORY: JENNIFER DREILINGER mother of three. She went through so much pain and unimaginable suffering with grace and dignity. It is hard to grasp that some cancer diagnoses are uncurable. She helped me to be courageous and determined in my fight and continues to be my guiding light.
Two years ago, I probably saved my life. I found a small, hard, rock-like lump in my breast when I was doing a self-exam. I remember this day like it was yesterday. I was looking at my sternotomy scar from my open heart surgery I had two years prior. I was thinking how I felt ready to explore laser scar removal so I could start wearing my favorite plunge necklines again. My husband had the day off and we were planning to go to lunch to commemorate this anniversary from my mitral-valve repair. The plans were quickly altered and let’s just say we never got to that celebratory lunch. I would describe the next few months like being on roller coaster which I never got off. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in March of 2019 and was told to move quickly. Regular life doesn’t pause with any diagnosis. I am a wife, daughter, sister, mother of two boys, a friend to many, and I own a creative services firm so I was determined to not let this breast can“THIS FIGHT cer diagnosis stop IS NOT OVER me. I had a double UNTIL WE mastectomy perFIND A CURE formed by the best, AND BCA’S Dr. Elisa Port at PROGRAMMING Mount Sinai hospital. AND TRAILDuring my surgery, BLAZING two of four positive EFFORTS ARE lymph nodes were CATHARTIC detected and so my FOR ME.” journey continued. I worked with oncologist Dr. Amy Tierstein and remember feeling completely numb when I was told that the recommended treatment was Taxotere chemotherapy. She proceeded to say there is a small percentage of patients who experience permanent hair loss and I
would likely lose my hair. This truly crushed me. At the time I felt my long thick hair defined me; how would I get through this? My friends continuously rallied to support me and kept my spirits up. A group of them even stood by my side while I got my head shaved so that I no longer experienced the pain of watching my hair fall out naturally. My husband, parents and friends were with me every step of the way. I was honest with my children to let them know that the cancer was gone, and this treatment was preventative and I was going to survive. Today, I continue with anti-hormone therapy. I am blessed with amazing doctors who help me to manage my side effects. My breast cancer changed my life and body forever, but I am grateful to be here to tell my story. During the same time I had my surgery, my dear friend lost her five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. It was truly devastating and a huge loss as she was an incredible person, wife, and
As the pandemic began in March of 2020, I started searching for local breast cancer organizations to volunteer my time. Breast Cancer Alliance has given me the space to tell this story. I feel so fortunate to continue to meet courageous men and women who have battled this disease. This fight is not over until we find a cure and BCA’s programming and trailblazing efforts are cathartic for me. The warmth, devotion and tireless efforts of the leadership team are a contangeous group. I am living proof why early stage research, fellowships, education and support continue to be so important.
This is my story. It’s pretty nuts and it doesn’t define me; however I will tell you, even with all that I still consider myself lucky. Breast cancer can be a treatable, curable disease if caught early, so women, men, get busy! Conduct self-exams, schedule your yearly mammograms, because it’s so important to find any kind of cancer early. I am grateful and blessed for my husband of 21 years this May, my two sons who make me so proud, my incredible family, laughter with my friends, my new community of support through the BCA, and lastly my rescue and pal, Dash.
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FIRST CLASS PRESORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID
48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830
SAVE THE DATES
PCI
REGISTRATION FOR ALL CAN BE FOUND AT BREASTCANCERALLIANCE.ORG/EVENTS WOMEN’S HEALTH + WELLNESS WEEKEND May 13-15
MASTER WINE COURSE WITH KEVIN ZRALY Thursday, March 31, 6pm 7pm Nationwide Zoom Burning Tree Country Club, 120 Perkins Road, Greenwich, CT
Details to follow
JUNIOR FASHION SHOW Thursday, April 7, 7pm
ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Tuesday, September 20, 11am
Richards, 359 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT
Golf Club of Purchase, 10 Country Club Drive, Purchase, NY
5K RUN/WALK FOR HOPE Sunday, May 1, 8am Same-day registration and breakfast open
ANNUAL LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW Thursday, October 20, 11am
9am Race Hosted By: Richards, 359 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT Presenting Sponsor: Omnicom Group, Inc. Breakfast Sponsor: Z Hospitality Group
Details to Follow
Breast Cancer Alliance 48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director breastcanceralliance.org
www.facebook.com/breastcanceralliance
@BCAllianceCT
@breastcanceralliance