The Breast Self-Exam Debate

. . . . .
I am a regular reader of your wonderful magazine, but an article in the recent issue alarmed me. “Do Breast Self-Exams Save Lives?” brought into question the necessity of performing regular self-breast exams. I discovered both my initial lump and then a second lump seven years later—neither detected by mammograms. I feel strongly that your magazine should make the case for self-breast exams. I cannot imagine the personal damage that might result should even one woman fail to discover a malignancy because she had been persuaded that self-exams were “optional.”

Elizabeth Church
Blue Springs, Missouri

Needs of Survivors

. . . . .
The Winter 2008 article “Mapping the Journey” was one of the best illustrations we’ve seen of the value and need for planned, coordinated care for cancer survivors. People can help advance the issue of having coordinated survivorship care a national standard by keeping an eye out for federal legislation that will be re-introduced in Congress this year—the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act. A core provision of the bill is the establishment of written care plans—exactly what helped the survivors in the CURE article get the follow-up care they needed.

Ellen Stovall
President & CEO
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

Life With Lymphedema

. . . . .
I read with interest the “Downsizing Swollen Limbs” article. I have had lymphedema in my right arm since my melanoma was removed from my shoulder in 1995. Most people are surprised to see a man with lymphedema, but I am sure I am not alone.

Thomas Millen
Palm Harbor, Florida 

A Fond Farewell

. . . . .
It is with great sadness that I write to let you know of Dr. Phil Berman’s passing on February 8, 2009. Phil’s remarkable five-year experience with advanced lung cancer was frequently documented in CURE. He leaves behind an amazing legacy as a father, husband, scientist, physician, and entrepreneur, but also as the creator of RedToeNail.org, which has allowed thousands of cancer survivors and loved ones to stay in touch during their cancer journeys. Phil’s friends and family wish to thank CURE for its support over the years.

Robert J. Brooks, MD
Tucson, Arizona
Read the eulogy given by Brooks. —Editors 

Extraordinary Nurses

. . . . .
I received the new volume of the Extraordinary Healers book several days ago. Please extend my thanks to the staff for selecting our story for your book. To be included in this group of nurses is such an honor.

Kathleen Gamblin, RN, OCN
Kennesaw, Georgia

Nominate your oncology nurse for the 2009 Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing before April 10. To learn more about the contest, visit www.curetoday.com/healeraward. —Editors

 

 

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