Health Care Guide Press Releases

Mayor Proclaims October 13th as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

PRINCETON  Princeton Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman and Princeton Township Mayor Bernard Miller officially proclaimed Wednesday, October 13th as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day during a ceremony at the YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC).

Metastatic breast cancer is defined as stage 4 cancer that begins in the breast and has spread to other parts of the body. There is currently no cure for metastatic breast cancer, and treatment frequently involves trying one treatment after another with the goal of extending the best quality of life as possible.  According to the American Cancer Society, 155,000 women and men in the U.S. are presently living with metastatic breast cancer, an alarming statistic which underscores the immediate need for increased public awareness.

BCRC Director Kara Stephenson says, “Unfortunately, metastatic breast cancer is rarely discussed during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, but it is important that those living with the disease should never feel isolated or ignored.”  BCRC is one of the few organizations nationwide that provides a support group specifically to meet the emotional needs of those coping with metastatic breast cancer.  “This group has been meeting twice a month since 2006, and the members have a very powerful bond,” says Stephenson.  “They have a comfortable, safe place to share their fears, talk about their hopes and triumphs, and discuss the issues that matter most to them as they continue on this journey.”

BCRC member Meg Fels, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 and a half years ago, and with metastatic disease 8 years ago says, "I am so pleased that a day is being set aside to address our specific issues, and that Princeton’s two mayors are joining in that support.  The concerns, realities, and hopes of the thousands of women and men with metastatic breast cancer need to be brought to the forefront.  Our voices need to be heard.”

By declaring October 13 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, BCRC and the mayors are hoping to increase understanding of metastatic disease by the breast cancer community and the public at large; to emphasize the urgent need for new, targeted breast cancer treatments that will provide a high quality of life and long life expectancy for patients by making stage 4 cancer a chronic, but not fatal, disease; and to ensure those living with stage 4 breast cancer are recognized, acknowledged, accepted, and heard.

The BCRC is dedicated to providing information and support to women and families affected by breast cancer, and to increasing breast cancer awareness in the community. Find out more about programs and services by calling 609-497-2100 extension 346, or visit www.ywcaprinceton.org.