By continuing to use our site, you consent to the processing of cookies, user data (location information, type and version of the OS, the type and version of the browser, the type of device and the resolution of its screen, the source of where the user came from, from which site or for what advertisement, language OS and Browser, which pages are opened and to which buttons the user presses, ip-address) for the purpose of site functioning, retargeting and statistical surveys and reviews. If you do not want your data to be processed, please leave the site.

The Voice of People With Breast Cancer

Education

Our Voices Blog


Category : Knowledge

Why Men Should Consider Genetic Testing for BRCA Genes

Both men and women have breast tissue, and while men don’t have the ability to produce milk, their breast cells can still develop into cancer. About 1 in 5 men with breast cancer have a close relative —male or female—who also had the disease. Research indicates that biological males make up half of the U.S. population carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, genes commonly linked to breast cancer in women.

The Power of Touch: How Massage Therapy Can Support Breast Cancer Patients

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down. It can alter your life to one filled with fear, uncertainty, and a whirlwind of treatment options. In the midst of this chaos, many patients discover the potential of massage therapy as a complimentary therapy. This gentle, restorative treatment not only offers relief from physical discomfort but also nurtures emotional well-being and enhances overall quality of life.

When to Ask Your Oncologist About Genomic Testing

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel like a rollercoaster ride, and it’s natural to have a million questions swirling in your mind. One of the most important ones is whether genomic testing could help inform your treatment. Here’s a quick guide on when to bring it up with your oncologist.

The Rise of Breast Cancer Rates in Asian Women

Breast cancer incidence rates have been relatively stable over the past decade; however, recent studies are revealing that breast cancer rates among Asian American women have been rapidly increasing. Since 2000, breast cancer occurrence among Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50 years of age has increased by 50%, growing more than 2% every year since 2012, according to a 2024 report from the American Cancer Society.

The Importance of EDI in Precision Medicine

As we mark Precision Medicine Awareness Month (PMAM) this #KNOWvember, it's crucial to highlight the essential need for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the rapidly advancing field of precision medicine.

Decoding Life and Health Insurance Policies: A Simple Guide

When diagnosed with breast cancer, having a life and health insurance policy can be an important tool to help you offset the financial toll it can take on your life. But these policies can be confusing. Unless you work in the sector, all the industry-specific language, details, and different clauses and subclauses might sound like a foreign language. This guide will help you make sense of your insurance policy.

Understanding Demographics and Why They Matter in Healthcare

Demography refers to the social, cultural, and personal characteristics that make up an individual. Currently, the scope of demographic health data in Canada is often limited to age and sex. This limited data means that many crucial details—such as income, race, or other social elements—are not being collected.

Living Well With Metastatic Breast Cancer

October 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. As of 2020, approximately 168,000 women in the U.S. were living with metastatic breast cancer (mBC), which is a projected 31% increase from 2010. This type of cancer, also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer, means it has metastasized, or spread, to other areas in the body such as the liver, lungs, brain, or bones.

Breaking Barriers in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Care

If you’ve been with us for a while or if you have Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) you know that this subtype is considered more aggressive and has fewer treatment options than other subtypes of breast cancer. By now, you’re also likely aware of the risks associated with TNBC. In 2023, we launched a report that identifies the educational, informational, and support needs of Canadians diagnosed with TNBC. Since then, we’ve dedicated significant time to raising awareness about its findings, including targeted advocacy for improvements in key issues affecting TNBC patients or those who are at elevated risk of developing TNBC.

Finding Inclusive Resources for Your Unique Journey

We know that facing a breast cancer diagnosis is a daunting thing to experience. But for some, the challenges, fears, and uncertainty can be compounded by a lack of access to culturally competent care and tailored supportive resources that truly understand and address the unique needs of diverse community groups. We’ve compiled a non-exhaustive list of resources we know to be helpful and can provide much-needed assurance and support to culturally diverse communities, young women, those with high familial risk and LGBTQ+ individuals.