2. History of the Breast Cancer Update
The concept for the Update was created by Maureen
Lauterbach who wanted a mechanism to raise
awareness and provide education to healthcare
professionals and the interested lay public on the
most current topics in breast cancer diagnosis and
treatment
The first major formal educational program by DBCC
was presented in 1996 at the University Whist Club by
Dr Steven Grubbs and others on breast cancer issues.
3. Early Years
In 1998 the first panel discussion format was used with
regional experts presenting topics on new techniques
for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
The panel discussion was held at the Academy of
Medicine with the attendance just over 100
participants
The response to the conference was overwhelmingly
positive setting the stage to continue the Update on
an annual basis
4.
5. Evolution of the Breast Cancer
Update
Building on the success of the first Panel Discussion,
the Update has expanded to include a longer day, a
broader range of topics and more prominent speakers
From the early years at the Academy of Medicine, the
number of participants rapidly grew, reaching as high
as 400, requiring larger facilities. We expanded to
the Wilmington then Dupont Country Clubs, The
Waterfall Conference Center and for the past 3 years,
Dover, to be more centrally located, at the Sheraton
and Del Tech
6. Planning
Early Updates were planned by the Education Committee,
made up mostly of Board members and a few volunteers.
Dr. Janet Kramer organized several of the early updates
followed by Dr Gray who were able to bring in many
experts.
The updates were presented with a sophistication and
quality suitable to healthcare providers, but also provided
relevant information for the lay public.
The Update has always been free
Medical CME and Nursing Contact Hours have been
provided for a minimal fee
8. Topics
Each year, the Update Committee explores the hot
topics of the day, the latest controversies and new
diagnostic procedures and treatment methods that
are making headlines.
Themes and topics are derived from a review of the
literature, suggestions from our physicians and
committee members and requests from the previous
conference
The update has expanded from panel discussions to
include keynote speakers, which are selected each
year based on the Update theme.
9. Topics Explored
Advances in diagnostic tools
Emerging treatments and procedures
Nutrition
Environment and cancer
Genetics
Alternative and complementary medicine
Clinical Trials
10. Topics
Stem Cell transplant
Access to care
Psycho-social issues
Advocacy and marketing of breast cancer
Counterfeiting drugs
Breast reconstruction
Young survivor issues: pregnancy, breast feeding
Men and breast cancer
11. Topics
Tobacco and the Smoking link to breast cancer
Metastasis
Inflammatory breast cancer
Effect of breast cancer on families
Public Policy
Advocacy
Ethics of diagnosis and treatment
Research
15. Many Volunteers
Organizing the Update is time and labor intensive.
Many have given of their talents. In particular is Rena
Howard who has helped with every Update.
Board physicians are essential to planning and have
included Drs Schneider, Saunders, Kramer, Gray,
Witmer, Dickson-Witmer, Purvis, Newell, Sobczak
Napolitano and Chua
Many Board member survivors have lent their
expertise and shared their stories including Rena
Howard, Eileen Edmunds, Nancy Mayer-Mihalski
16.
17. Many Volunteers Make It Happen
Staff have played an essential role, especially Vicky
Tosh-Morelli who has organized the recent Updates,
along with Lois Wilkinson and all the staff in our 3
offices.
Many DBCC volunteers help the day of the Update
with registration and other duties
We have had financial support from the all the state
hospitals, other healthcare providers and facilities,
the pharmaceutical industry, other non profits and
organizations
19. Impact of the Update
Raises awareness of DBCC and its services
Now provides the only annual breast cancer
conference in the state
Has helped shape the direction and programs that
have evolved at DBCC over the years including:
Young Survivor programs
Access to care – Women’s Mobile Mammography
Mentorship program
Support for research through trained clinical trial
mentors
21. What the Future Holds
National trends show a decrease in the conferences
that are being offered
Economic constraints, restrictions on pharmaceutical
support and strict rules on commercial support and
conflict of interest make large conferences more
difficult to finance. This results in larger registration
fees
Trend is toward webinars, on line education
22.
23. 2011 will be the 14th
Annual Breast Cancer
Update!
