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appeared 23 November 1998
UCSF Hosts Community Forum to Discuss Women's
Participation in Breast Cancer Research
Fewer than three percent of patients eligible for
clinical trials for breast cancer enroll in studies. These trials aim to improve the
treatments available for breast cancer patients, increase survival rates, and develop new
mechanisms for prevention of the disease, according to UCSF breast cancer specialists.
Low participation in studies is especially prevalent among women from ethnically diverse
and underserved backgrounds, although these populations often have the highest mortality
rates from breast cancer, said Debu Tripathy, UCSF breast oncologist.
He added that some of the barriers that prevent these women from enrolling in studies
include cultural issues and a lack of trust between patients and the medical community and
researchers.
Leading women's health advocates, a renowned UCSF breast cancer doctor and researcher, a
Stanford medical ethicist, and a breast cancer survivor and advocate will join together
for a community forum to discuss women's participation in research and cultural issues
that prevent those from various backgrounds and ethnicities from participating in clinical
trials.
Panel participants include UCSF breast oncologist and researcher, Debu Tripathy; Executive
Director of the California Black Women's Health Project, Holly Mitchell; Director of the
National Asian Women's Health Organization, Mary Chung; Stanford University Center for
Biomedical Ethicist, Mildred Cho; and H.L Ittner, a breast cancer survivor.
The forum will take place on Wednesday, December 9, from 6:30-8 p.m., preceded by a light
dinner at 6 p.m., in the first floor Hellman Building Conference Room at the UCSF/Mount
Zion Medical Center, 2200 Post St. at Scott. The panel discussion is part of a series that
the UCSF Breast Care Center, part of UCSF Stanford Health Care, sponsors each month. Women
with breast cancer and cancer advocates are encouraged to attend. For more information or
to register, call Fern Hassin in the UCSF Breast Care Center at 415/885-3738.
Source: Abby Sinnott, News Services |
