Announcing the Breast Cancer Consortium!
The Breast Cancer Consortium is an international network of educators, researchers, artists, analysts, health practitioners, advocates, and others working to change the conversation on breast cancer. We examine public discourse, trends in awareness campaigns, the competing interests of advocacy groups and the medical system, the impact of commercialization, and other issues relating to the social and cultural factors that impact this disease.
BCC formed in October 2012 with a group of professionals committed to research and social change. As a medical sociologist, I had already spent the last decade working with many of them on breast cancer related issues and projects, both academically and in advocacy. Formalizing our partnership was a logical next step.
Rachel Cheetham Moro, breast cancer blogger and former accountant, was on the ground floor of brainstorming about the organization. Rachel died from stage 4 breast cancer one year ago today. In a tribute to her legacy, BCC member Lani Horn has written a review of The Cancer Culture Chronicles, a compilation of Rachel’s blog posts in book form.
We also pay tribute to BCC founding member and international partner Marie-Laurence Waldelöf who died of breast cancer on December 25, 2012. Marie-Laurence was a member of “Au sein de sa différence” [Within our differences] in Paris, France. ASDSD developed a communications campaign called “Questions Roses” (Pink Questions) to spur discussion of pink ribbon culture in France. As our first collaboration the campaign included a dialogue between french senologist-oncologist Dr. Dominique Gros and me. Marie-Laurence did the translations.
Losing two foundational members in such a short time is difficult for a fledgling organization to absorb. Yet it is a sobering reality for those of us who are working in the cancer world. It is also the fuel that ignites our passion for change. We honor Rachel and Marie-Laurence as we continue to develop new ways of thinking about breast cancer, collaborating with change agents, and developing evidence-based resources that will make a difference.
Take a look at BCC’s website, essays, and materials. If you like what you see, please forward our newsletter to your colleagues and friends. If you have any questions for us or ideas about how the Breast Cancer Consortium can help you and your communities to change the breast cancer paradigm, please contact us by emailing me at gayle.sulik@breastcancerconsortium.net.
Onwards and Upwards!
Gayle A. Sulik, PhD (founder and executive director)
