I just joined the Cancer Survivor Registry’s Breast Cancer M.A.P. (Mind Affects the
Physical) Project, a new movement to identify and address the emotional and social needs that accompany a breast cancer diagnosis.
Most women experience some form of distress during their cancer experience. In a recent study of breast cancer patients, those who received emotional and social support had lower distress levels, were less likely to have a recurrence, had better overall health and were more likely to live longer compared those who did not receive the emotional and social support component.
But more research is needed to determine the social and emotional needs of breast cancer survivors, where there are gaps in care and how we can fill those gaps. That’s why anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, or years past treatment is encouraged to join the movement!
Participating is easy. All it takes is a few simple steps:
1. Visit www.breastcancerregistry.org and create an account! It only takes 10 minutes to answer some simple background questions. (We’ll even give you a peek at how your fellow survivors have answered.)
2. Once a year, answer questions about your experience with breast cancer.
3. Enjoy access to M.A.P. Project updates, breast cancer news, existing support resources for breast cancer survivors and opportunities to take part in other studies throughout the year.
I hope you’ll join me by lending your voice to The Breast Cancer M.A.P. Project. Together we can help change the breast cancer experience for the millions of women who live it everyday!