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.
Links to helpful resources
Take Charge of Your Healthcare (a link to pass on)
Medical Associations
Non-Profit Breast Cancer Organizations
MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Board of Medical Specialties:CHECK PHYSICIANS CREDENTIALS "CONTAINS ALL PHYSICIANS CERTIFIED BY AN ABMS MEMBER BOARD.
This service allows the public to verify FREE OF CHARGE the board certification status, location by city and state and specialty of any physician certified by one or more of the 24 Member Boards of the ABMS. Please have the correct spelling of the physician's name. Click the Verification button to use this service." Physicians have to pay to be listed. If you cannot find a physician, ask him/her directly. Sometimes they move to a different city and their new address/city isn't listed yet. Contacting the ABMS, and your State Board of Medical Examiners will help you check for complaints filed against a physician in each state, too.American Medical Association ( AMA), to find a specialist, or a specific physician, click on their "Doctor Finder" on the left side of the main page. Go to the AMA web site: http://www.ama-assn.org
AMA Paper on Patient-Centered Diversity: "Patient-Centered Care Is Culturally Effective Care (AMA)" An interesting topic, if you can find it!MENTAL HEALTH - go to psychoanalyst/psychiatrist
AMA's "doctor-finder" database (not good for verification unless you know his or her State).The American Psychological Association PsychNet
American Medical Women's Association
CANCER:
Breast Cancer Resources for Screening Mammography and Diagnosis CDC has offices in every state, and this site will take you to those in your state; however, contact them directly if you are in need of immediate referral, assistance, mammography, biopsy, etc.
American Society of Breast Surgeons, founded in 1995, and now has over 800 members, "was formed to encourage the study of breast surgery, to promote research and development of advanced surgery techniques, to improve standards of practice for breast surgery in the United States, and serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas (Mission Statement)." Email them for a breast surgeon in your area.
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Cancer Therapy Research Center (CTRC), San Antonio, Texas (in the Health Science Center complex):
My own oncologist consulted with Dr. C. Kent Osborne and Dr. P. Ravdin, there (Dr. Osborne has since moved to University of Houston, Houston, Texas. The CTRC very pleasant to deal with regarding my upcoming visit, and once I was there, I didn't feel tossed into their busy environment of cancer care and research. The physician, without question, was thorough, informative, and self-effacing. It was also important to me that he evidenced support for my oncologist, which he did. I was grateful that my oncologist and surgeon knew about these physicians and their work in breast cancer and DCIS with micrometastasis.
They have an excellent document "What you need to know about breast cancer."The Garden State Cancer Center , 520 Belleville Avenue, Belleville, NJ 07109, (973)844-7000. "The Center has focused on a biological approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This treatment modality involves the use of the body's own defense system, or substances produced by it, to combat cancer and other related diseases. Our cutting-edge research in this area has the potential to impact on all of us, our loved ones, and future generations. " The GSCC works with other high-level academic entities including in the tri-state region including St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson, NJ, along with Staten Island University Hospital in New York, the New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center, and the Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia. It operates on an NIH grant as well, and is devoted to trials for patients when chemotherapy has failed. The individuals I have had contact with were most accommodating, and sincerely concerned about their mission. The one line which impacted me the most was "Cancer Stops Here!" My own organization's Vision is Eradicate Breast Cancer! Thus, I'm sensitive to such wonderfully, strong, emphatic vision statements, without which a workable Mission statement cannot begin!
The US Health and Human Services (HHS) covers just about anything a citizen would need answers to as far as health care, and health care financing HHS now has a National Women's Health Information Center covering many important aspects of women's health. This is where you write your complaint letters to, as well. You will write your own state health department, but be sure to copy HHS, your Senator, and your US Congress representative.
The U.S. House Commerce Committee.
This committee houses the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, which, in 1997, was taking up the question of mammograms, how long an institution was obligated to keep them on file, etc. This is a critical beginning to help us all now and in the future. And, this all feeds in to the Patient's Bill of Rights, which is on this site, also. It is best if YOU can take and keep your own films because of the chance of them becoming lost in a medical facility, but you should NOT have to do this. And, they must be kept on file for at least ten (10) years. This subcommittee is slow to respond to anything, in my experience, to citizen input, if at all. My own representative, Lloyd Doggett, NOT on this committee is much more responsive. Soon, they must be petitioned to take up the subject of how long pathology materials are maintained, as well. Again - 10 years. Watch out. They are quickly and mysteriously 'lost' in my experience, again. Even when YOU own them, they get lost by other institutions! It is scary! They are your link to determining, perhaps, future treatment! This committee must remember that Only in Silence May Breast Cancer Continue, so they must hear our pleas!Caution: The U.S. House URL loads slower than molasses in January!
The American Cancer Society is probably in your town or city,. Their Reach For Recovery volunteers were a savings grace to me when I had my first operation in another city. I had to seek them out, my physician did not make the referral. I wish that had been done for me. ACS covers many issues for cancer patients and their families, but I don't think the public has a clear understanding of their role or actual Mission. A legislative committee would be a good idea, because eventually serious challenges crop up regarding insurance, employment (discrimination, etc.), and rights.
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Patients may refer themselves to MDA. I was told that Texans are provided services there regardless of income. Their referral and registration people were wonderfully comforting, and they evidence a patient-centered concern. However, once there, it was as though my arrival was unexpected, papers couldn't be found, the wait was long, and during that wait in the lobby, I found myself praying for the people surrounding me who looked so ill. My heart ached for them. My family and I felt as though we'd walked into the Waldorf Astoria that was for severely ill cancer patients only (the place is huge and beautifully decorated). For us, with me new to this disease, and not fully aware of what was ahead (more surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.), seeing all of the patients in varying stages of debilitation was very difficult. Also, I was not strong due to illness and surgery, and the walking to get places was a challenge. They offer wheelchairs, but it would be so much nicer if they decentralized a bit for the patients sakes. The physician I first saw did not speak English, however wonderful his skill may have been, and I, personally, could not wait to return to my own oncologist. My next trip was to San Antonio to the CTRC (above). And, I wouldn't go back to MDA!
Mayo Clinic
Mayo" has a location in Scottsdale, Arizona, too. Most of the major medical centers have a URL, and site you can get information from. I've found Mayo's nutrition page interesting. Here is the address of their newsletter, "Housecall"
http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/common/htm/hsecall.htmMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York. For me, this is the most user-friendly 'hospital' site. It is well planned out and easy to move around in. I found it via Search on Netscape and typed in Memorial Sloan Kettering. That gave me a host of their special pages on their web site. The information can keep you up all night! Here are some of their URLs:Breast Cancer URL http://www.mskcc.org/document/WICBREAS.htm
Prevention & Wellness Program URL http://www.mskcc.org/document/fswell.htm
: It has been disappointing to find out that some programs such as this at other places "are closed" to new patients. These institutions are showing their lack of ability to adopt and implement a strategic plan!
If you have cancer, had treatment of any kind, it would certainly be beneficial to be able to participate in one of these programs. How they can be "closed" is beyond me. I investigated one at MD Anderson upon the advice of my own oncologist, because I do not want cancer in my other breast, and there's no guarantee that chemotherapy will prevent it. I was told by the oncologist I saw that their prevention program was closed, filled up, and I could not get into it. "What?" I was astonished. So, don't be surprised if you hear the same thing, and everything presented in brochures, I've found, would be wonderful were it true. It's marketing. A good way to start with prevention is to read the best books on enhancing your immune system. You might start with the OMEGA PLAN (above, from Amazon.com).
PROSTATE CANCER - A link for those who've asked
GOVERNMENT
National Cancer Institutes(NCI) The NCI and NIH (below) are linked via their pathology division so if you request a 2nd opinion from NIH, or NCI know in that instance it would be through the NIH Department of Surgical Pathology.
National Institutes of Health, Washington, D.C.:
NIH willingly reviewed my pathology slides. I found the appropriate department on their website, and they communicated directly with me, and my oncologist. It made me realize how grateful I am to live in the US and have a facility such as this where I could trust an objective, competent analysis of my cells. NIH Pathology Division's Dr. Maria Merino is their gold standard. I hope they get all the funding for breast cancer research they need, and pass some of it on to Drs. Osborne and Ravdin!NIH has an Office of Alternative Medicine, for those interested in nutritional, herbal, or other alternatives, or compliments to total health. I've found this very informative and up to date. Their URL is http://altmed.od.nih.gov/
Office of Minority Health Resource Center - some links in Espanola
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration (HFZ-240) (Click here for Mammography information)
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
1350 Piccard Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20850
NON-PROFIT BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATIONS - including specific nationalities
Male Breast Cancer Information CenterNational Asian Women's Health Organization
PROJECT! OUTREACH: Early Breast Care, Education, Screening and Advocacy, Inc.
GENERAL:
Center for Mind-Body Medicine, located in Washington, DC founded by James S. Gordon, M.D. (author of Manifesto for a New Medicine, and The Wise Use of Alternative Therapies). Their tapes of their June, 1998 conference are worth obtaining, which include outstanding authorities in conventional medicine today, including the president of the American Cancer Society.
GINE-web A Spanish online resource for women's health.
MediConsult - excellent generalized page of pertinent medical information on virtually any condition.
Rid yourself from stress. "Oh yah," you say...but don't knock it until you've tried and realize that "there are a lot of things in life over which we have no control (JD Fain MD, Oncologist)." I'll never forget him telling that. Trust me, I have this book linked on my Desktop...by Dr. Bruno.
Breast Cancer & Environmental Risk Factors in NYS
Cancer Gateway of Texas - Organized Access to Cancer Information on the Web
University of Iowa, Family Practice Handbook This is a handy resource for you, at any time. Well done, concise.
University of Wisconsin, Benign Breast Conditions (helpful, concise tutorial).
Nikken Company (many of you have asked where the sleeping pad I mentioned and the product I used that helped stop the pain from a shoulder injury [brachial plexus] for five years-in two weeks! So I'm giving you a link for it. Contact her.
Unfortunately, every health care consumer, must go by the adage: buyer beware! This will unfortunately become a government regulated issue, because there are too many mistakes being made, and no "watch dogs."Resources by each State, medical certification societies, and the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. IF YOU have a complaint against a physician, hospital, radiologist, laboratory, etc. ALSO contact your state board of health, and copy your US Representatives and Senator on your complaint letter. I wouldn't leave anything that might go on to continue hurting others up to the state board of medical examiners (at least not in Texas) or the specialty boards, either.
Phone and Fax Directory
Texas State Board Of Physician Assistant Examiners
Texas State Board Of Acupuncture Examiners
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2018 Austin, TX 78768-2018
Location Address: 333 Guadalupe Tower 3, Suite 610 Austin, TX 78701
Physician Licensure Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2029, Austin, TX 78768-2029
Fax numbers: Licensure, Info Services (512) 305-7006Main Number: (512) 305-7010 - Automated Attendant Investigations, Hearings, (512) 305-7007
Compliance, Legal Permits, Administration, (512) 305-7008
Physician Assistants, Acupuncturists
Other Numbers:
This department supports the Board of Acupuncture Examiners and administers the acupuncturists licensing program.
The Administrative Services and Finance Division keeps the agency running smoothly. The Finance Department handles all the agency's accounting and fiscal operations. Support services provides mail, purchasing, receptionist and other administrative support for the agency.
The Compliance Division staff, including field compliance officers, works to assure that those licensees under disciplinary orders from the Board comply with the orders.
Computer Services supports all the agency's functions by providing programming, troubleshooting and all aspects of computer support services.
The Hearings Division coordinates the process of holding hearings for physicians, physician assistants, and acupuncturists who have allegedly violated the Medical Practice Act or the Physician Assistant Licensing Act. The staff maintains the official records of formal disciplinary actions, reports actions taken by the Board and responds to open records requests.
The Investigations Department investigates complaints against licensees (physicians, physician assistants and acupuncturists). It includes field investigators who work throughout the state. This department also processes data entry of professional liability claims and suits against physicians, physician assistants and acupuncturists.
Attorneys in Legal Division prepare cases in disciplinary action cases; represent the Board before administrative law judges or in informal settlement conference/show compliance hearings; and provide legal counsel to Board committees. The legal staff consists of a general counsel, attorneys, legal assistants and administrative support.
This department supports the Board of Physician Assistant Examiners and administers the physician assistant licensing program.(512) 305-7023
This department processes various training permits such as physicians-in-training, visiting professor, faculty temporary licensing and consulting physician approval letters.
The Licensure Division consists of the Endorsement and Examination departments. The Endorsement Department processes licenses for practitioners from other states, assuring they meet Texas' stringent qualifications. The Examinations Department processes applications of physicians applying for initial licensure in Texas by examination and admission to the Texas Medical Jurisprudence Examination, USMLE Step 3 and COMLEX Level 3 examinations.
The Permits Department oversees the annual renewal process for physicians to assure that Texas physicians maintain their licensing qualifications; and processes permits for non-certified radiologic technicians.
The Public Information Director responds to media inquiries; prepares news releases and the Board's semi-annual newsletter,The Medical Board Report; prepares speeches and presentations; provides design, production and editing support for the agency; and maintains and staffs an exhibit booth for medically related trade shows.
The Verifications Department responds to requests for verifications of licenses for physicians, physician assistants and acupuncturists by phone, in writing and computer dial-up services.
reviewed 07/22/07