Nancy G. Brinker knew her simply as her sister Suzy, but the rest of the world has come to know the name as Susan G. Komen.
Brinker spearheaded the growth of one of the largest health advocacy organizations in the world after her sister died from breast cancer in 1980, and continues to make it her life’s work. Brinker will be in Denver for Sunday’s annual Race for the Cure and on Monday will sign copies of “Promise Me: How a Sister’s Love Launched the Global Movement to End Breast Cancer” (Crown Archetype, $25.99) at the Tattered Cover Book Store, 1628 16th St., at 7:30 p.m.
The book is a revealing look into the private life of the public woman who founded the organization now known as Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It chronicles the death of her sister, Brinker’s own fight with breast cancer, and other inspiring profiles of survivors. A timeline of major developments in breast-cancer treatments and an extensive list of resources for women coping with the disease are also included.
The Komen organization has contributed $1.5 billion for research and community programs for the detection and treatment of breast cancer.Brinker took some time out of her book tour to answer questions:
Q: What’s the best way to support a person suffering with breast cancer?
A: The best thing you can do is be aware and be able to direct a patient in need. Honestly, tell them to come to our website first at . I don’t mean that to sound self-serving because it really is a great repository of information with links to every major cancer center and clinical trial out there. A lot of patients and survivors share their personal stories there.
Q: What do you think is the most important medical advancement in treating breast cancer?
A: Targeted personalized therapy is the greatest advancement. We have numerous types of clinical trials, and we’ve learned how to characterize breast cancer cells so we know what will respond best to what therapy. In the past, we just blasted people with the same drugs and aggressive chemotherapy. Now we’ve learned that isn’t always right. Next, we’ve got to begin to take a look at prevention and causation of the disease.
Q: What is your stance on recommendations that mammograms aren’t needed annually for women over 50?
A: In the absence of a definitive blood marker and some way to predict if a woman will develop the disease or already has it, then screening is the only way to do it. We don’t believe you need less. We believe people need better screening that is more predictive, less expensive and more accessible. We want screening tools that are portable and that can be used by a nurse practitioner that are predictive of whether a tumor is an issue, especially when viewed through dense breast tissue.
Mammography is an old technology that’s been used for almost 50 years now. A new generation of screening tools needs to be updated and developed. The technology is available, but we need patients and providers to be demanding better tools.
Q: Many more women die of heart disease and lung cancer than breast cancer. Why has breast cancer captured so much attention?
A: I believe breast cancer is still the leading killer of women between the ages of 40 and 60. You are right about lung cancer, but a lot of that is still caused by smoking. I’m not going to get into what disease is worse than another, because they are all awful diseases. It’s not a question of resources. It’s a question of creating a bigger pie. People need to learn to get educated, advocate and understand that it is possible to do so. The awareness campaign (for breast cancer) has worked and is making the difference because we have educated people to understand the changes in their body. They know they can be treated.
Q: Why do you think Denver’s attendance for the Race for the Cure is so stellar? It’s estimated to draw up to 60,000 people and raise $1.4 million, 75 percent of which supports local breast health education, early detection screenings and treatment programs.
A: The participation and revenue from Denver is great! Denver’s affiliate is the fourth-largest revenue generator in the whole country.
Sheba R. Wheeler: 303-954-1283 or swheeler@denverpost.com
Komen Denver Race for the Cure
The 18th annual Komen Denver Race for the Cure begins at 7 a.m. Sunday, starting and ending at the Pepsi Center. Three events include the 5K Co-Ed Run/Walk at 7 a.m., 5K Co-Ed Walk at 8 a.m. and the Family 1-Mile Fun Walk at 9 a.m. Komen for the Cure founder Nancy G. Brinker will be on hand for the special closing ceremony. Info:
