Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) hosted a free “Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer” luncheon this afternoon about treatment and support for people who have this advanced type of cancer and their caregivers.
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV breast cancer, is when the cancer cells have travelled to other organs in the body— most commonly the lungs, liver, or brain. Speakers representing the Mayo Clinic Florida, Florida Cancer Specialists, and Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center discussed the disease itself, treatment options, patient advocacy, caring for the caregiver, and patient assistance programs. A question-and-answer session followed the formal presentation.
“This event was an opportunity to connect with the community and let them know that help is here,” said Dorothy Green Phillips, Executive Director of FLASCO. “Metastatic breast cancer often does not get the attention it deserves and we want people to know they don’t have to face this battle alone.”
Speakers also discussed legislative issues that concern people who have metastatic breast cancer. One such issue is funding for the Mary Brogan Breast and Cervical Care Early Detection Program, a program that provides cancer screening to women between the ages of 50 and 64. Another issue is address by SB528 and SB530, sponsored by Sen. Greg Steube, supporting step therapy and patient access. In order to bring awareness to this disease, Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed February 2017 as “Metastatic Breast Cancer Month.”
FLASCO is a member-supported state society that focuses on providing education, timely dissemination of pertinent information, and general support of the Florida professionals who have chosen the challenging medical discipline of oncology. For more information, visit www.FLASCO.org.