Category Archives: Blog

The Benefits of Cannabis for Symptom Management

A 2017 Gallup poll indicated that 64% of Americans now support cannabis legalization, as many are turning to cannabis to safely and effectively treat symptoms related to neurological disorders, cancer, psychological disorders, gastrointestinal disease, infectious disease, and inflammatory disease. How can one plant help with so many conditions and have so few side effects? To

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Extended Endocrine Therapy with Aromatase Inhibitors

Five years of endocrine therapy with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) is highly effective in reducing the risk of recurrence of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer; however, the risk continues beyond the five years of treatment. Researchers analyzed the combined results of 12 clinical trials involving 24,912 postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor-positive disease to determine if there is a

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Why Answering “How Are You” Is Difficult As a Cancer Patient

Many people are unaware of how difficult it is to answer social greetings when one is in crisis. They ask “how are you” mechanically, without thinking. I’ve done that in the past. Before my experience of cancer painfully opened my eyes to the stress of social greetings. I suddenly became one of many struggling everyday

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Low-Dose Tamoxifen for ADH, LCIS, and DCIS

Tamoxifen is often used to prevent recurrence of hormonally driven breast cancer after surgery; however, it can cause significant side effects that adversely affect the quality of life of patients. It has previously been thought that a lower dose of tamoxifen (5 mg) might be as effective as the standard dose (20 mg), but with

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Should Everyone Receive Genetic Testing Following a Breast Cancer Diagnosis?

Approximately 10% of breast cancers are due to an inherited genetic mutation. Not all women are referred for genetic testing following a breast cancer diagnosis. This is because many doctors follow the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, which recommend testing only those individuals who meet specific high-risk criteria. However, a new study suggests that current

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BACC Boutique

Our on-site Boutique is a hidden gem in the Bay Area as it provides hundreds of wigs, hats, scarves, bras, breast prostheses and swimsuits at absolutely no cost! All of these supplies are graciously donated and our trained staff and volunteers are on hand to assist with any fittings to see what you like. After

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Exercise and Rehabilitation as a Part of Cancer Treatment

Exercise and rehabilitation play an integral role in helping patients return to work and regular activities after cancer treatment. In May 2018, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) issued formal guidelines recommending exercise as an integral part of cancer treatment. They join organizations such as the Academy of Oncology Physical Therapy, the Academy College

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Time Out

I find it inspiring to hear from people across the globe about their stories of family caregiving. Whether it has personally touched them or they know of others going through it, the stories are heartwarming and heartbreaking. Quite often the difficult things to hear are the effects of the caregiver’s life. Our team at Breathing

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Right to Try: What Does It Mean For You?

By Michelle Esser, Senior Program Manager, Research and Advocacy, Young Survival Coalition ​A new law recently passed by Congress and signed by President Trump has been making headlines over the past few months. This “Right to Try” law allows terminally ill patients to request an investigational drug that has completed Phase I trials directly from  a 

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