BOISE, ID – The Idaho Montana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen is pleased to announce a first-of-its-kind conference for Idahoans and Montanans living with Stage IV breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer (MBC). It is estimated that over 1,000 Idahoans and Montanans currently live with a Stage IV breast cancer. Nearly every day in Idaho or Montana, someone dies from breast cancer.
Individuals living with MBC will come together in Boise on October 30 to learn about the latest research into cancer treatment, clinical trials and self-care. Cancer patients will hear from Huntsman Cancer Institute Researcher and Komen Scholar Alana Welm, Ph.D., about her research into how cancer metastasizes and the possible use of the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Registration is available at www.komenidahomontana.org/conference
Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Around 94% of those with metastatic breast cancer were diagnosed and treated at earlier stages – and then had a recurrence. The median survival after a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is 3 years.
Jodi Weak, Executive Director of Komen Idaho Montana said, “Our goal with this Conference is to bring together those living with metastatic breast cancer – no matter where in Idaho or Montana they live.” Many breast cancer patients in Idaho and Montana are medically underserved and rural. In Montana, a woman may have to travel over 350 miles to even seek treatment. In Idaho, some women must travel over 200 miles for treatment. For those living with MBC, the rural nature of their lives exacerbates MBC challenges, including feelings of isolation, fear and loneliness. The Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference will provide an uplifting, educational and enjoyable experience for those living with this terrible disease.
Conference sessions and meals are free to attendees, and travel expenses are covered for those living outside the Treasure Valley. For those unable to attend in person, the conference will be professionally live streamed at www.KomenIdahoMontana.org/Conference
Donation provided by Pfizer, Inc.
About Susan G. Komen® and the Komen Idaho Montana Affiliate
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen has set a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026. Komen was founded in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Komen Idaho Montana working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. Through events like the Komen Boise, Missoula, and Coeur d’Alene Race for the Cure®, Komen Idaho Montana has invested over $7.3 million in community breast health programs in Idaho and Montana and has helped contribute to the more than $920 million invested globally in research. For more information, call 208-384-0013 or 877-665-9088 or visit www.komenidahomontana.org.