| Protect the ACA!
On November 10th, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a legal challenge supported by the Trump administration that seeks to overturn the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
We want to be clear: If the Court decides to overturn the ACA, the decision will impose significant negative impacts on the health care system generally and impose undue harm on National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) members and those living with and at risk of breast cancer.
NBCC opposes such a move and will join efforts to maintain the ACA’s integrity and protections because the ACA provides breast cancer patients, survivors, and others, vital protections from many of the U.S. health care system’s past practices, including restrictions for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
As a result of NBCC’s advocacy, the ACA also requires consumer representation on any committees, boards, panels, or commissions formed under the law. NBCC’s network of breast cancer advocates across the country will continue to defend the Affordable Care Act and maintain NBCC’s commitment to high-quality care for all.
Breast Cancer Statistics – Invasive vs. In Situ
In 2020, an estimated 276,480 women and 2,620 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. In 2019, the numbers were 268,600 and 2,670, respectively. When breast cancer is invasive, abnormal cells from the breast ducts or milk-producing lobules have invaded the surrounding breast tissue. Since the widespread adoption of mammography screening, statistics for breast cancer now include in situ carcinoma, a precancerous condition where cells that line the breast ducts or glands have become abnormal but have not invaded the surrounding tissue. It is a “condition” that is almost exclusively found by imaging. There has been much debate about what to call carcinoma in situ. In 2009, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a consensus conference on the diagnosis and management of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).[1] In addition to the extensive debate about managing DCIS, a key discussion point related to the anxiety-provoking inclusion of the term carcinoma in the label, with some participants calling for a label that does not include the word “cancer.” Why? Because it is not cancer.
However, when NBCC cites breast cancer statistics, we always include in situ numbers because oncologists usually treat it with surgery, radiation, and sometimes drugs. Just like invasive cancer.
In 2020 48,530 women will be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. In 2019, the number of in situ breast cancers cited was 62,930. Why the difference? Some may look at that lower number and think we have made progress. Not so. It is a matter of definition. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) publishes the breast cancer staging system. In 2017, AJCC removed lobular carcinoma in situ from the staging system. In 2020, the American Cancer Society—the body that publishes the annual cancer statistics—decided to only report incidence of ductal cancer in situ (DCIS) and no longer report lobular cancer in situ (LCIS) because it is now generally believed to be a benign condition associated only with increased risk of breast cancer, but without the potential to progress to invasive cancer. In reality, how is that different from DCIS? We don’t see much.
This is a great example of the need to look carefully behind statistics and all health information. Sometimes a simple reclassification that has absolutely no effect on clinical practice can give a misleading message.
[1] Allegra CJ, Aberle DR, Ganschow P, Hahn SM, Lee CN, Millon-Underwood S, Pike MC, Reed SD, Saftlas AF, Scarvalone SA, Schwartz AM, Slomski C, Yothers G, Zon R. NIH state-of-the-science conference statement: diagnosis and management of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). NIH Consens State Sci Statements. 2009 Sep 24;26(2):1-27. PMID: 19784089. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19784089/
Giving Tuesday is Tomorrow
This #GivingTuesday, will you give to NBCC to help stop breast cancer?
The good news is that there are various ways to help. You could become a member and give your voice to our cause, join the president’s council and help advance our programs or give at any level. You could text NBCC to 243-725 to make a donation.
And this year, when you donate, you double your impact! Right now, through year-end, the Vance Wall Foundation will match all gifts we receive up to $100,000.
We hope that you will choose NBCC on #GivingTuesday, and we thank you for your generosity. Donate today!
NBCC President to Speak At Symposium
NBCC President Fran Visco will speak at the virtual Judges & Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert Symposium on Dec. 9th, 2020. The symposium format is a mock legislative hearing that will address fictional proposed legislation on public information of genetic predisposition to cancer. Interested? The event is open to the public without charge, but registration is required. Register to attend here.
Hollywood And Broadway Celebrities Join Us For Our Virtual Cabaret December 6
The Virtual Cabaret will combine live and recorded performances from Broadway and Hollywood celebrities to deliver a fantastic evening of laughter and song, unlike any other. Proceeds raised from the cabaret will support NBCC’s mission to end breast cancer. A special thanks to our Title Sponsors, iS CLINICAL by INNOVATIVE SKINCARE and Cindy and Alan Horn.
Click here to make online purchases of tickets, sponsorship packages and journal ads or download the form and mail to National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, 1010 Vermont Ave., NW, #900, Washington D.C., 20005.
Follow NBCC on social media to learn more about our special guests and performances! If you have any questions, please call 1-800-320-0803 or e-mail us at NBCCevents@stopbreastcancer.org.
Make a Donation to End Breast Cancer and Double Your Impact
When does your $50 donation become $100? From now until the end of the year. The Vance Wall Foundation generously extended their match, and you can double your impact when you donate before December 31st, 2020. The Vance Wall Foundation will match all gifts up to $100,000. |
