Advocate
Page last modified on May 17, 2011
Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s advocacy programs focus on positively impacting the quality of life for all women affected by breast cancer. We comment on legislation, policies, issues and concerns that influence quality of life for women with early-stage and metastatic breast cancer and women living long-term with a medical history of breast cancer.
As a national nonprofit organization representing more than 50,000 people, we have a unique perspective on the concerns of individuals facing and managing breast cancer. We strive for the openness and collaborative spirit befitting the diversity of views our constituents hold.
Recent Advocacy Efforts
In 2010 and 2011, Living Beyond Breast Cancer worked with providers, professionals and women affected by breast cancer to make statements on:
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The Lymphedema Diagnosis and Cost Saving Act of 2010. LBBC submitted a letter of support for this bill with our colleagues at Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance. This law would ensure improved access to lymphedema garments and treatment services for Medicare recipients. The legislation was not passed in 2010 but will be reintroduced in the 112th Congress. Learn more at the website of the Lymphedema Treatment Act.
- Prospective Model of Care for Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. former LBBC board member Valerie Kraus, a physical therapist who has had breast cancer, contributed professional advice to a roundtable meeting to discuss the creation of a model of provider support for physical rehabilitation before, during and after breast cancer treatment. The meeting, held at the headquarters of the American Cancer Society February 24-25, 2011, could result in published recommendations that will assist women coping with breast cancer.
- The EARLY Act. As part of our efforts to assist young women with breast cancer, LBBC issued a joint statement with Young Survival Coalition, Breast Cancer Network of Strength and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance. This legislation was signed into law in March 2010 as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the healthcare reform law). Its goals are to educate young women about risks for developing breast cancer, and to grow awareness among providers who treat premenopausal women.
Our Advocacy Advisory Committee
Before we comment on an issue, Living Beyond Breast Cancer consults a breast cancer Advocacy Advisory Committee made up of:
- Three members of our Medical Advisory Committee: Julie R. Gralow, MD; Generosa Grana, MD; and Clifford A. Hudis, MD
- Three senior members of the LBBC staff: Jean A. Sachs, MSS, MLSP, our CEO; Elyse Spatz Caplan, MA, director of programs and partnerships; and Janine E. Guglielmino, MA, director of information and strategic initiatives. Hear Elyse talk about empowering women affected by breast cancer through language at the 2010 meeting of the Annual Society of Clinical Oncology.
- Three members of our board of directors
- A public policy specialist
In addition to the ten voting members of our committee, LBBC also consults several nonvoting members who advise us in their areas of expertise.
For more information about or to comment upon our policy initiatives, please contact our educational programs department.
