October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, encourage appropriate screening and early detection, and ensure that women have access to reliable information throughout the breast cancer journey.
This October, AMWA’s Breakthrough Women in Science & Medicine is bringing together a curated collection of three previously produced episodes featuring leading experts in breast cancer.
These 30-minute programs address important topics across the breast cancer continuum — from early detection and understanding breast density to emerging research in metastatic breast cancer and support for women and their families.
Three Experts, Three Films
The collection features:
- Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG, Administrative Director of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center and Administrative Director of Johns Hopkins Cancer Survivorship Programs
- Rachel F. Brem, MD, FACR, FSBI, Professor and Vice-Chair of Radiology and Director of the Breast Imaging and Interventional Center at George Washington University
- Carey Kernodle Anders, MD, Director of the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis and Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine.
Together, these three programs explore several issues that remain highly relevant to women today:
- Early detection and breast cancer screening, including the importance of helping women understand their individual risk.
- Breast density and what comes next, including an understanding of how breast density can affect mammography and whether additional imaging may be appropriate based on breast density and overall breast cancer risk.
- Metastatic breast cancer and emerging research, including research examining whether earlier detection of brain metastases through MRI could benefit selected higher-risk populations.
- Support beyond medical treatment, including the impact that metastatic breast cancer retreats can have for women and their families.
Moving From Awareness to Understanding
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity not only to increase awareness, but also to help women become better informed about their own breast health.
These programs also remind us that breast cancer care extends beyond screening and treatment. Survivorship, quality of life, emotional support, and the needs of families are important parts of caring for women throughout the breast cancer journey.
Watch and Share This October
By bringing these three episodes together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AMWA invites viewers to join us in raising awareness, asking questions, and learning more about the evolving landscape of breast cancer screening, research, treatment, and survivorship.
A better understanding of breast health — and of what we know, what we are still learning, and what questions to ask — can help women become more informed and empowered participants in their care.
Breakthrough Women in Science & Medicine was created to amplify the expertise of women leaders in medicine and science while bringing important health information to patients, families, healthcare professionals, and communities.