FAQ

Progress is continuing to be made.  If you look at a specific type of breast cancer and how it was treated 30 years ago, it was very different from how we would treat it today.  What once would have been a mastectomy with a much lower survival rate could now be a lumpectomy treated by targeted therapy with a higher survival rate.  Though we don’t have all the answers yet, we do know that taking proactive steps to prevention and healthy lifestyle choices also reduce our risks.

Billions of dollars have been spent towards breast cancer research.  It is important that we as consumer advocates ask these questions.  Many advocates have served as grant reviewers for breast cancer research and have learned about the diligent and tedious work that has been done by our scientists.  Though we sometimes form our own opinions and may not agree, it is important we have a seat at the table wherever public policy is being made and represent those who are affected by this disease. It is also important to support those who have committed their time and energy to finding a cure for this disease, where would we be without their efforts?

Transparency is important in all research funding.  Though it may take searching on the web to find where spending occurs, it is important that all are held accountable.  For more information on the Congressionally Directed Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program that we support go to http://cdmrp.army.mil/

Are there programs for those who are uninsured or underinsured in the state of Michigan?  Yes.  The Breast and Cervical Screening Program provides screening to those who qualify.  Contact your local health department or go to: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2940_2955-13487--,00.html
for more information.  The MIBCC may also be able to help those find local screening programs, please contact us at mail@mibcc.org for more information.