Education is a big part of our mission at VBCF. We look for opportunities to expand our knowledge whenever possible so that we can bring new ideas and approaches back to better serve our community.
This week, our Education Manager, Erin Steigleder is at the Dialogue For Action® on Cancer Screening and Prevention Conference with other colleagues from Virginia and across the country. This annual conference is put on by the Prevent Cancer Foundation in Washington, DC and brings a diversity of stakeholders together to discuss the best ways to reinforce cancer screening, prevention, and risk reduction initiatives in their communities.
On Wednesday, Erin got a crash course on how to critically review cancer screening and prevention studies, including those related to the benefits of mammograms and the discussion of overdiagnosis in breast cancer. She also learned about the American Indian Cancer Foundation and the challenges that our native populations face when it comes to cancer screenings.
Yesterday, she learned about the connection between breast inflammation and the development of breast cancer, a new area of research and was part of a breakout discussion on technology and health disparities. She’s loved being able to share about our work with partners to host the LGBTQ Health Conference last week and has brought up questions and issues concerning that population at the conference.
Today, Erin looks forward to learning more about the Mediterranean Diet and the breast microbiome, more health technology discussions, and questions surrounding breast cancer screening guidelines.
This weekend, VBCF Board members Marylinn Minor and Susan Siegel will be attending the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Advocate Leadership Summit in Washington DC. This 3-day Summit offers discussion sessions with top researchers and advocates, as well as skill-building and message training. Key sessions include:
- The Breast Cancer Treatment Landscape – What’s on the horizon?
- Clinical Trial Design and Outcomes
- The Politics of Healthcare
The Summit culminates with National Breast Cancer Advocacy Day next Tuesday, April 30th. Fifteen VBCF volunteer advocates will be arriving in DC bright and early on Tuesday to meet with our Virginia Congressional delegation to discuss key policy priorities including the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (HR 2178).
Thank you to the Prevent Cancer Foundation and the National Breast Cancer Coalition, for such wonderful learning opportunities!
