From the president

dmz2004“The Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund helps children and adults reduce their risks of getting all types of cancer, and assists them in choosing the safest and most effective treatments.

We carefully analyze research by scientists around the world, and draw conclusions about the best strategies for preventing and treating cancer. We help keep you healthy and help you get the best medical care by making information available to doctors, patients, family members, and the public.” Read more about us

What others are saying

“I sailed through the surgery, and am thrilled – a dramatic change in course for me after discovering your work. My gratitude to you is beyond words.”

—Harriet Lerner, psychologist and best-selling author of The Dance of Anger

“Hopefully, every woman finds her way to your web site and this article. Your article has helped arm myself with information I will need to select the right surgeon.”

—Annamaria Picollo

Become A Member!

Join us! Become a member with a donation of only $20!  Or, give a gift membership to honor a friend or loved one who is a cancer survivor or in memory of someone who lost their fight against cancer.  Just click here, tell us you want to join, and list the names of who you’d like to honor.  If you’d like to honor them for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, their birthday, or any other special occasion, just tell us to let them know.

Students who might like to start a Cancer Prevention & Treatment Club at your school or college, contact us at info@stopcancerfund.org.

Information you can use

FDA review indicates possible association between breast implants and a rare cancer

We are very concerned about the dramatic increase in ALCL that seems to be associated with breast implants. The risk of ALCL for women with breast implants seems to be dramatically higher than it is for other women. Although this is still a rare disease, the findings have important implications for auto-immune disorders that have been associated with breast implants in research conducted by independent scientists. Not surprisingly, research that was paid for by implant companies or plastic surgeons almost always concludes that breast implants are safe. And, we hear from women with breast implant problems who tell us that their plastic surgeons tell them they have nothing to worry about. We know from this announcement that women need to be more vigilant, and when they have breast pain or abnormalities they need to see their primary care physician or OB/GYN to have it checked out. And, we want to make sure that all women with silicone gel implants know that the FDA warns them to undergo breast coil MRIs every other year to check for breakage or leakage. | more

Are Annual Prostate Cancer Screenings Necessary?

The latest recommendations for prostate cancer are against PSA screening for men of all ages if they have no symptoms of prostate cancer. These recommendations are still in the draft stage, and are based on research showing that very few men benefit from treatment for prostate cancer as a result of PSA screening (but with no symptoms) and many men are harmed by it. | more

UPDATE 2011: Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe for Cancer Patients?

Women with breast cancer often choose mastectomy because they don't want to ever have to think about the cancer again. Unfortunately, the latest research shows that if they get reconstruction with silicone gel implants, they are likely to have many complications and need additional surgery. | more

Free Patient Booklet on Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

Our patient booklet, DCIS: What You Need to Know, helps women diagnosed with DCIS understand the difference between DCIS and Stage 1 breast cancer, and discuss treatment options with their doctor. It was funded by a grant from the DC Cancer Consortium through the Department of Health, Government of the District of Columbia, with additional support from the Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation | more

What are the Alternatives to Traditional Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer?

Women with early-stage breast cancer can safely choose lumpectomy instead of mastectomy if they also undergo radiation treatment to reduce recurrence. However, traditional radiation therapy requires a treatment schedule that is difficult for many patients. Several newer types of radiation treatments have been developed so that more women can have the choice of lumpectomy with radiation. | more