More than 100 breast cancer survivors, loved ones, physicians and researchers came together for a recent community forum held at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in collaboration with several Northwell Health comprehensive breast cancer programs.
Experts discussed advancements being made in breast cancer, early detection, genetics, treatment and research.
Emmy-winning television host and bestselling author Sandra Lee told the audience when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 after a routine mammogram: “I knew my purpose was to communicate something I didn’t expect to happen to me.”
She decided to film her breast cancer story in an HBO documentary, allowing filmmakers unrestricted access to follow her through aggressive treatment, including a double mastectomy.
The film, “Rx, Early Detection, A Cancer Journey,” gave her an opportunity to become a prominent advocate to help others.
Ms. Lee, the event’s keynote speaker, joined Dr. Karen Kostroff, chief of breast surgery at Northwell Health, for a candid conversation about her breast cancer journey.
“It’s important to share tools, wisdom and experience with others going through the same thing—you never know what someone will take or need to hear and that’s why events like these are vital,” said Lee.
Kostroff, who has been a breast surgeon for over 35 years, said, “Breast cancer is basically a curable disease; we are trying to get the message out that screening and early detection helps people live longer.
Sandra Lee has a been a tremendous advocate in promoting breast screening and getting legislation passed in New York State for no-cost mammograms and improving access to care.”
One in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime; it is the second most common cancer in women.
Dr. Mark Smith, system vice chair of surgery at Northwell Health, noted the education event held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October is important in the fight against the disease and for the community to know about the resources available to them. “We want people to understand that they have a team of providers working closely together – breast surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, radiologists, medical and radiation oncologists, social workers and support staff, integrating all the services patients need to get the best outcomes,” Dr. Smith explained.
As a reconstructive plastic surgeon, Smith said, “I’m focused on restoring patients to making them whole again and bringing a number of new techniques, some pioneered at Northwell, so that options match a patient’s choices and priorities best.” Dr. Smith also serves as executive director of the Friedman Center for Breast and Lymphatic Surgery, a premier practice for breast reconstruction surgery at Northwell Health.
In her closing remarks, Lee said, “I hope for the future a cure for breast cancer, which will hopefully be soon, but in between now and then, we all have a responsibility to support each other, to share our experiences, to help facilitate a cure and to help someone else,” adding, “Northwell is an amazing place and it’s wonderful to get to be a part of this family.”
The community event, Navigating the Journey of Breast Cancer Through Research & Education was a collaboration between The Katz Institute for Women’s Health, the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, The Friedman Center for Breast Surgery, and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
For more information about cancer services or to reach a nurse navigator through Northwell’s Cancer Care Direct, call 833-223-4732, or email: cancercaredirect@northwell.edu.
