Which Screening Guidelines are the "Right" Ones?
Breast cancer screening guidelines were once again in the news recently, and the current focus is on how much the recommendations vary, from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS), even to your individual doctor (and what your insurance will cover…) This is yet another aspect of healthcare that is confusing, and it’s easy to have the reaction “what do the doctors/scientists/health insurers/cancer organizations know anyway? Everybody keeps saying something different.” We want to unpack this conversation a little bit, and hopefully provide some clarity in what YOU should do with this information.
VBCF Says Goodbye to a Friend
Like most women diagnosed, Rita Handley had no history of breast cancer in her family when she found out she had it. In January 1997, she was diagnosed with stage II, node-negative breast cancer. In June 2001, she was diagnosed with stage IV bone metastasis.

She found VBCF through her Bosom Buddies support group, joining us for National Lobby Day in 2000. She was excited about the opportunities available to make a difference in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. She joined VBCF’s Board of Directors in 2003, shortly after breast cancer forced her to end her 30-year career as an RN. 
A Marathon, Not a Sprint: National Lobby Day Recap
VBCF volunteer advocates participated in the 2021 Virtual National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Lobby Day on May 18th. The group was able to “Zoom” into Washington, DC for a packed day of meetings with Virginia’s elected officials and staff including Representative Bob Good’s (R-5th) staff; Representative Morgan Griffith (R-9th) and his staff; Representative Elaine Luria’s (D-2nd) staff; Representative Bobby Scott (D-3rd) staff; Representative Jennifer Wexton’s (D-10th) staff; and staff from both Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Warner’s offices. 

Our sincere thanks to all our volunteer advocates who took the time to participate in NBCC's National Lobby Day, sharing their breast cancer journey stories. They helped us have engaging, productive meetings with legislators. Thank you for your commitment!
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