In November during my weekly radio show,
"Knowledge is Power," I discussed a question from a patient about the
Army of Women
initiative that Dr. Susan Love, along with the Avon Foundation, is organizing.
Many of my patients are receiving an email that is going around the Internet and are coming into Breastnet with
questions about the program and asking if they should get involved. I would like to address a few of these
questions so you, too, can be informed should you wish to participate.
The goal of the Army of Women is to:
- "Recruit one million healthy women of every age and ethnicity, including breast cancer survivors and
women at high-risk for the disease"
- "To partner with breast cancer researchers and to directly participate in the research that will
eradicate breast cancer once and for all"
Dr. Love was becoming increasingly frustrated by our not having made more progress in figuring out what causes
breast cancer and how to prevent it. Scientists told her that they did not know how to find the women
who would be interested in taking part in the studies that were needed to end this disease. That is when Dr. Love
decided she would find a way to reach them!
Women who are interested should go to
www.ArmyOfWomen.org
to register with basic information. Then, periodically,
Army of Women members will receive email updates announcing new research studies that are looking for volunteers.
The email will detail the research project and who and what the researchers need. If you fit the criteria and you'd like
to participate, all you need to do is reply to the email and let them know you have accepted their "Call to Action."
If you accept the Call to Action, you will be contacted by an Army of women staff member, who will make sure you meet the study
criteria and answer any questions you might have about study participation.
If you decide to participate, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire, while other times, you might need to supply a
sample of blood, urine, saliva, breast fluid or breast tissue. Some studies might be clinical trials testing a new detection marker
or drug. You decide which studies you want to take part in. Because women are partnering with scientists, the Army of Women will
focus new attention on the need to unlock the key to what causes breast cancer.
One can never predict scientific discovery, but the better resources researchers have, the better they are able to
investigate novel and important information. If you wish to get involved or read more about this initiative, go to their
website at
www.ArmyOfWomen.org.
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
I also would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of you who are listening to my show every Saturday from noon to
1:00 pm on KPHX 1480 AM. I love all or your questions and feedback, and I look forward to more calls this coming weekend!
Future Show Guests:
November 22nd - Dr. Brian Gawley, to discuss Reconstruction after breast cancer
December 13th - Dr. Robert Kuske, to discuss Brachytherapy
December 20th - Dr. Coral Quiet, to discuss Radiation Treatment
Best regards,
Belinda Barclay-White, MD
www.AZBreastnet.com
