Julie Nesbit, Lisa Sloan, Sue Silk, Vicky Botsford, Lorrie Forgatch, Dr. John Link, Patti Buckner, Nancy Link, Kelsey Buckner, Jeff Buckner and Greg Buckner were among those who heard Dr. John Link speak at Cancer Support Community Pasadena.
Dr. John Link, one of the world’s leading breast cancer specialists, recently spoke at Cancer Support Community Pasadena, which was sponsored by the Negri Foundation and Jeff and Patti Buckner. The event drew nearly 80 people to hear this world-renowned doctor.
A pioneer in the field, Link established one of the first comprehensive breast care centers in the United States based on his innovative “optimal care” model that incorporates all aspects of screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up within a single medical environment. Link spoke about the significant progress that has been made over the last several decades in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
For example, the understanding of the different gene mutations found in breast cancers has allowed scientists to identify four distinct breast cancer types: Luminal A, Luminal B, Basal cell (also called triple-negative) and HER2-positive. Each type has a different growth pattern, as well as a different ability to spread and a different disease outcome. By understanding the breast cancer type, the medical team can evaluate the best treatment options for the patient. The “one-step, one-size-fits-all mastectomy” is no longer the treatment of choice.
Researchers are continuing to focus on identifying cancer earlier. Although in the early stages of development, blood tests for cancer are a growing part of clinical oncology. Link spoke of the work being done at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center to develop a cancer screening blood test that could be used to screen seemingly healthy people. Scientists are exploring ways to spot DNA alterations that could be found in a person’s blood allowing cancer to be identified earlier. While the initial results are promising, studies of larger groups of people are necessary before such a procedure would be available for public use. Yet, this would be a potential paradigm change in cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
Link is the author of “The Breast Cancer Survival Manual,” one of the most widely read books for newly diagnosed women, now in its sixth edition. Guests in attendance received a complimentary copy of his book. Importantly, Link reminded people that over the last 30 years, the cure rate for breast cancer has increased from 55% to close to 90% today.
CSCP is located at 76 E. Del Mar Blvd., Suite 215, in Pasadena, on the second floor of the Pasadena Humane Society’s building. For more information, call (626) 796-1083 or visit cscpasadena.org.
