Today is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Oregon

Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington announced today that Gov. Kate Brown has officially proclaimed Friday, Oct. 13, 2017 Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Oregon and encourages all Oregonians to join in this observance.  

Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body (most often to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain).  Some women have metastatic breast cancer when they are first diagnosed, which accounts for only about 6 percent of diagnoses in the US.

More commonly, metastatic breast cancer arises months or years after a person has completed treatment for early (stage 0) or locally advanced (stage I, II, or III) breast cancer.  Thousands of families across Oregon are affected by Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.  Unfortunately, it cannot be cured.

“While no cure currently exists for metastatic breast cancer, extensive research efforts are underway” said Andrew Asato, CEO of Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington.  “Research and supporting individuals living with the disease are why it is so important to continue to raise money right here in our area.  We have a goal of reducing the number of deaths from breast cancer by 50 percent by 2026.  We need your help to get - there”.

In the US, today, it is estimated that more than 154,000 people are living with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic disease is responsible for almost all of the nation’s 40,000 annual breast cancer deaths. In Oregon, it is estimated that more than 520 will die of breast cancer this year, nearly all due to metastatic breast cancer.

Ann Berryman, Director of Development and Communications explained. “We call women and men living with metastatic breast cancer “Forever Fighters” because that’s what they are. Much of breast cancer awareness focusses on surviving. It is important to remember and talk about metastatic disease, as well as to honor those individuals who will be in treatment for breast cancer for the rest of their lives and will likely die from the disease. Governor Brown’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day proclamation helps begin that conversation.”

Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington has several events planned throughout the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as well as a quarterly dinner series designed for metastatic breast cancer patients.

Please visit www.komenoregon.org for a calendar of community events. Donations can be made at events and online.