Each October, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® (NBCF) uses Breast Cancer Awareness Month to increase understanding of the disease. The foundation also supports vital research projects that seek to develop advanced personalized therapies and improve the outcome of breast cancer. CompAndSave.com is proud to be donating proceeds of sales this month to NBCF.
Better Treatment Options for a Devastating Type of Cancer
We often think of breast cancer as monolithic. But it is not just one disease. It’s actually a group of various diseases defined by combinations of receptors, which tell cells to carry out specific actions.
Currently, NBCF funds targeted research of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). About 10-20% percent of all breast cancers are diagnosed as TNBC. Patients need more treatment options because this type of cancer can be difficult to treat.
Why Is TNBC Different Than Other Breast Cancers?
Doctors treat most breast cancers by targeting three receptors: estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The name of TNBC arises from the fact that the tumor is ER-negative, PR-negative, and HER2-negative. This means that doctors can’t manage the tumor the same way as other cancers. While TNBC does respond to chemotherapy, it is often very aggressive and recurring.
Cutting-Edge Research Supported by NBCF
In 2015, NBCF backed two ongoing programs focused on this complex cancer. Dr. Khandan Keyomarsi is leading a study in Africa to determine if two potential biomarkers could be used as prognostic indicators for TNBC.
A team at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is also working to improve treatment and clinical outcomes for both TNBC and high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Recent studies point to major similarities in the underlying molecular events that cause these two rare, aggressive cancers.
Survivor Delia Stroud participated in this life-saving program: “A standard triple-negative chemo regimen is 12 weeks of taxol, followed by four doses of adriamycin and cytoxan. In the new study, doctors gave patients an additional chemo drug called carboplatin. … I finished my chemotherapy at the end of June. The tumors responded the way we had hoped.” Read more of her story here.
Print in Pink This Month
For all of October, CompAndSave is donating 2% of sales to NBCF. All you have to do is use promo code 5PINK at checkout. You’ll also receive $5 off your order of $55 or more, plus free shipping. In addition, use the #PrintInPink hashtag on Twitter and Facebook to share your stories.
Please visit the NBCF website to donate more or for further information about breast cancer research.