For Immediate Release
October 2, 2008
Contact: Jamie Arehart (267-350-7699 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Fran Orodeckis (215-564-3700 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
New Online Resource Dedicated to Advanced Breast Cancer Patients
PHILADELPHIA - Those living with advanced breast cancer now have an online resource available specifically for them: AdvancedBreastCancerCommunity.org is the first comprehensive online resource to serve as a clearinghouse of information for those impacted by advanced breast cancer. The new web portal represents the collective thinking, expertise and resources from Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation and 12 other leading cancer patient advocacy groups and also offers patients, caregivers, families and friends with a place to connect online.
Patients with advanced breast cancer have unique needs and often face more diverse challenges than newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. However, a survey commissioned by the nonprofit group, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, called "Silent Voices" found more resources are needed for patients with advanced breast cancer.
"Linda Creed's daily work is helping women find access to screenings and diagnostic tests, but once breast cancer is found, our women need information and support to get them through it - in addition to our help" said Donna Duncan, executive director of Linda Creed. "AdvancedBreastCancerCommunity.org is a valuable resource we can now refer our clients to and be confident that they will get the correct information."
Advanced Breast Cancer or Metastatic breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer, and can occur when the disease has spread to other parts of the body - most often the liver, lungs, brain and/or bones. A woman can have advanced breast cancer when she is first diagnosed or, more commonly, as a recurrence of her cancer many years after the initial diagnosis. Advanced breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death worldwide in women. In the United States, more than 40,000 women die each year from metastatic breast cancer.
The 12 other cancer patient advocacy groups that have contributed to the portal include: AdvancedBC.org, Breastcancer.org, Breast Cancer Network of Strength, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, CancerCare, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, SHARE: Self-help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer, Sisters Network Inc., Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Wellness Community and Young Survival Coalition.
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About Linda Creed
Linda Creed, an affiliate of Public Health Management Corporation, was formed in 1987 to educate women about breast cancer's signs and symptoms. Today, in addition to education, Linda Creed carries out it mission by providing direct services in the form of free mammograms and diagnostic tests for women with little or no medical insurance. Women are directed to services they do qualify for and by offering financial assistance for women undergoing breast cancer treatment. As a national advocate, Linda Creed looks to the future by working with researchers, legislators, and policy makers in funding and shaping long term solutions to breast cancer.
About AdvancedBreastCancerCommunity.org
The Web portal, www.AdvancedBreastCancerCommunity.org, was built by Inspire, an organization that creates high-quality online social networks dedicated to health and wellness in conjunction with leading media, health association, and health care partners. The communities, which Inspire works to create, provide supportive environments for thousands of patients and their caregivers to discuss issues and experiences around issues of health and wellness with one another. Funding and development support for the Web portal was provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
One section of the portal is educational, featuring credible and up-to-date information about advanced breast cancer, the latest treatment options and ongoing clinical trials. The second section offers online social networking for advanced breast cancer patients and their support network. Visitors to the site can become "members" and share their experiences and knowledge, as well as offer support to one another via blogs, discussion groups and surveys. Membership is free, but requires registration. To learn more about this important resource for advanced breast cancer, please visit www.AdvancedBreastCancerCommunity.org.
