Susan G. Komen Reaches Metastatic Breast Cancer Community in Innovative Ways During Pandemic
Although COVID-19 has created an unprecedented disruption, Susan G. Komen has found ways to serve the women and men who need them most. The organization recently launched a virtual Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Impact Series to share the latest scientific discoveries improving breast cancer treatments, information that those fighting this disease are desperate for.
It is estimated that an estimated 154,000 women in the U.S. and a countless number of men are living with metastatic breast cancer – the most advanced stage of breast cancer that has spread outside the breast, often to the brain, bones, liver and lungs. Currently, there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, and it is responsible for almost all the 42,000 breast cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.
Having up-to-the-minute information and support for facing the unique challenges and concerns of living with MBC available is more critical than ever. With concerns about visiting doctors and going out in public any more than you have to, the organization added extra layers of protection for its immunocompromised constituency by bringing this information to them in the comfort and safety of their own home.
“We believe that our present and future situations will allow us to drive even more impact for more people than ever before. Accessible technology and an increased desire to find new ways to fight MBC is something that impacts the lives of more than 154,000 women and an unknown number of men in the U.S.,” shared Kate Watt, Regional Vice President, Development Southeast for Susan G. Komen. “We are growing our digital footprint to ensure that even though we cannot be with our Susan G. Komen family in person, we can gather together virtually to continue moving forward.”
In the past, community-based events connected people living with MBC, and their caregivers, with the latest research and medical news, information on complementary therapies, and community support. The organization has added event live streams to ensure people unable to attend in person could still benefit from the information pertinent to their health. In the last twelve months, Komen has hosted 52 live events, including 26 conferences, 16 educational events, six retreats, and numerous Facebook Live sessions/webinars/online learning series. This new MBC Impact Series is available at no cost and will be accessible to all.
“Komen works with partners in thousands of communities to unlock the scientific discoveries and deliver the support needed to help people with MBC,” added Watt. “We are excited to present this regularly-updated listing of virtual events and speakers and have nearly a dozen events in this series already scheduled.”
Susan G. Komen’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Impact Series begins on Wednesday, September 12th and runs through Sunday, November 15th. A full schedule is available on the new https://mbc.komen.org/#mbc-impact-series website.
“In this increasingly interconnected world, events like our MBC Impact Series enable us to meet people where they live and access care. Working together, we will achieve our goal of reducing breast cancer deaths by 50% by 2026,” ended Watt.
To learn more about Susan G. Komen, please visitwww.komenflorida.org or call (561) 514-3020.
About Susan G. Komen®
Susan G. Komen® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support, and empower people with trustworthy information. Born out of a promise between two sisters, Susan G. Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures.