Before You Donate
Think very seriously before donating to any breastcancer organization, or fundraising program until you read their Annual Report to see who their top contributors are, and if they have a product that appears frequently in the message the organization sends to the public. That would be unethical and its illegal. The same applies to a request that the public buys products, but does not receive a "donor receipt" for tax-deductible purpose. Read any and all food labels that breastcancer "non-profits" are promoting to raise money. Some organizations tell the public to help them raise money by asking you to visit their websites, but that only gives them "hits" to increase their sponsors.
Another tip, "signing" an online Petition is not acceptable, so don't fall for such antics. An ethical non-profit, or professional will not request your visit to their website, nor use "cookies" placed on your computer when you visit their site.
Purchase the Breastcancer Postage Stamp, the Post Office will always give you your charitable deduction receipt. Its a valid form of fund raising.
DO YOU CARE?
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WITH BREAST CANCER?
ARE THEY ALIVE?
ARE YOU AFRAID OF GETTING BREAST CANCER?
DO YOU NEED HELP?
This E-Mail response is from Mark Fauci, President & CEO of OmniCorder Technology, Inc., responding to an E-mail I sent to thank him for visiting and telling a group of physicians and myself about their scanner now in trials for very early detection of cancer cells. Over the time we had corresponded, and during his visit to Texas, I noticed that he appeared to have entered into the "warrior phase," Carl Jung described. E.G.: "What can I do for others?").
". . . .You are right. I very much look at this endeavor as a war—over 180,000 American women maimed and/or killed each year. I guess that would make me one of the warriors. Unfortunately, I don't get much of a chance these days to discuss philosophy or motivation - I spend too much time speaking to strangers. . . who are looking to make "an investment." Although it may not be fashionable to do so, I take my inspiration from the field at Agincourt - all things are ready, if our minds be so . . .Be well. -Mark- "
The incidence of death from breast cancer has not decreased in over forty years (June, 1998 meeting of Center of Mind Body Medicine, Washington, D.C.). Speakers at this conference were the Executives of American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, and a renown oncology expert from Sloan-Kettering, in addition to many other experts.
Breast cancer will occur in 1 out of 4 women (if ductal carcinoma in situ is included ... In 1998 we found out that with the Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection, and cytokeratin staining of the cells Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) can metastasize.
One hundred per-cent more oncologists are going to be needed to keep up in the next decade, due to the rising incidence of cancer, among the older woman—many who had lumpectomies, and no Sentinel node dissection, or node examinations—and thought they were all right. Many are in middle and upper incomes and have learned to never question authority figures or, their doctors. In some counties, this group, from 40 years of age plus, has the highest incidence of breast cancer, and the highest mortality rates from breast cancer (email me for documentation). And, the young woman, 22-40, with dense tissues who are not aware that they must be on the alert, yet, but the majority of breast cancers begin in puberty. Who is trying to impact on that age group?
The present model of care is NOT working!
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing among men. due, in part to some of the cardiovascular drugs.
Early accurate screening, detection and appropriate response to a questionable diagnosis is the answer to reducing deaths from breast cancer.
The public (patient) must be more equally involved in his/her medical team. Most often, breaking news of a new drug reaches the patient before the physician.
Teams (with the patient an equal member) make good medicine. With the influx of seemingly reputable, and competent "doctor.com" sites, the pubic is unaware that these sites are primarily staffed by volunteers as self-help groups are, and yet the site is a for-profit....taking volunteers from the non-profit sector, where they are desperately needed.
Medical ethics in doctor.com sites, and their advertisers? We can make ourselves believe anything.
WHAT IF
. . .your married daughter found a lump in her breast, and her family had no funds for health care?. . . your granddaughter, away at college, without health insurance noticed dimpling on one of her breasts?
. . .as a man, on heart medication, you've been laid off from your job, and you notice a growth in your breast, but you know that your family cannot take on any expenses?
. . . your daughter lost her battle against this disease?
. . . your wife has lost her battle against this disease?
. . . your mother is battling this disease?
. . . you are one of five daughters who's mother had breast cancer, and you know that by twenty-five you should have a breast examination and annual follow-ups?
. . .you have found and gone to the best radiologist you know of, and easily paid for the visit. Then, s/he telephones and asks you to return for a follow-up visit concerning your mammogram? Would it help you to know that your doctor, and his/her staff all cared about you, and were working there just for you, regardless of money?
. .. you are in shock over the news that your biopsy shows a malignancy in your breast. Without worrying about money, would your fears be less, and help you to focus on just getting through this time of your life?
. . .you have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and found out that you've lost your job.
. . . you know the cost of the services, but you are not asked to pay for them, and you won't be reminded. . . and can "pay it out" as you are able?
What if...
Everyone had access to excellent breast care, including:Mammograms, sonograms, CAT scans, mammatome biopsies, PET scans, ductal lavage, when necessary?
Better yet, what if the Bio Scan was funded so every town and city had it available as a part of routine screening, so cancer could be detected almost as soon as it begins (6-10 years before it is now)?
. . . breast care, advising, education and referral was provided to everyone in a loving, caring environment, by highly recognized professionals, regardless of the ability to pay?
. . .insurance was not accepted in order to save overhead costs?
. . .every patient knew that their medical and support attendants would lovingly and competently care for them, and help them develop a team, if needed?
. . .every patient could be well informed and part of the treatment team?
. . .every patient had access to psychological support to help them along a fearful journey, whether it be a short one or a long one.
. . .the doctors were dedicated only to highly competent care of their patients, not in earning the income they deserve in today's medical milieu?
. . .all the caring staff had the same goals - you, the patient?
. . . the physicians were all involved in professional development and research, to give everyone the finest care available?
. . . there were active ways that you could learn about how to best receive treatments, nutrition, maybe exercises, or aqua therapy, and other information on feeling better and more in control?
. . . the physicians just cared about "ridding you of disease, and keeping you disease free (Jerry Fain, M.D., Austin, Texas oncologist)."
This would not be socialized medicine, it would be competent, caring, sharing medicine, not a privilege, but a right...and rights carry responsibilities with them. Everyone benefits. Breast cancer is not just about women! We are, however, all here because of a woman - and a man - we are all important.
