Changing the conversation

The main goals of the National Breast Cancer Coalition's Deadline 2020 project are to prevent primary breast cancer, so that people wouldn't develop it in the first place, and to prevent metastasis, saving the lives of those who have already had it, past or present.

The work to achieve those goals requires many dedicated players. Researchers need to do their thing, collaborating in new ways, exploring new avenues, and taking a higher-level view of the problem to be solved. Politicians need to recognize breast cancer eradication as a priority, using their power to influence the way resources (not just money) are allocated. Foundations and government entities need to embrace new models for funding and support as the scientists wade into new territory.

Sandy's oncology infusion nurses quickly became our friends
during her initial treatment and again when she had metastatic
cancer. But it would be great to have met them under different
circumstances, and they'd certainly welcome the opportunity
to successfully prevent metastasis.

But all of this is dependent on changing the conversation. As long as people think we're making significant progress, while the mortality rate remains nearly steady, we don't have the public pressure we need to make everything else happen. It's unfortunate that the focus on "awareness" has actually made people less aware of the facts.

That's why I was pleased to see the cover article in this week's New York Times Magazine, titled "Our Feel-Good War on Breast Cancer." I recommend reading it and spreading it around. You'll find it here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/magazine/our-feel-good-war-on-breast-cancer.html?smid=pl-share.

Peggy Orenstein did her homework well, and she describes the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship eloquently. Though she didn't mention National Breast Cancer Coalition, she offered the same message NBCC has been working to get out for years now. It's encouraging to me to see it starting to take hold.

One of the particular challenges is communicating that breast cancer is still very deadly and we still know very little about how or why it behaves as it does while at the same time helping women understand that their personal risk is much lower than most women assume. Reassurance + urgency is a difficult equation.

Part of what makes it so tricky is that the pink-ribbon brigade has been delivering a message of reassurance and urgency of its own. They've led women to believe that every woman is at high risk for breast cancer but that we're making tremendous strides, and that somehow having a mammogram is protective. Not very helpful for making real progress to end the disease.

Orenstein's article is a great source of information for anyone wanting to converse knowledgably about the subject. Keep it handy to educate the next person you hear say that "early detection is the cure" or any of the other misleading statements people like to share. It's time we channel all that well-meaning energy into effective change. We may not be scientists, politicians, or foundations, but changing the conversation is within our power.