Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention: Empowering Patients Through Support and Knowledge
Breast and ovarian cancers are two of the most common cancers affecting women, but with advancements in research and supportive care, patients have access to resources to fight these cancers. Drs. Shoshana Rosenberg, Laura Pinheiro, and Vered Stearns received a community partnership-building grant last summer from the Cornell Center for Health Equity to establish a partnership between the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center (MCC) Breast Program and Unite for HER, a non-profit organization supporting and empowering individuals diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer. This partnership, known as PRESTO (Patient Research Engagement in Survivorship, Treatment, and Outcomes), aims to support the growing clinical and population science research portfolio focused on cancer control, prevention, survivorship, and health disparities in breast cancer patients across the care continuum who are treated at the MCC.
Unite for HER Wellness Passport Program offers integrative therapies such as counseling, nutrition, yoga, and beauty care, helping patients manage emotional distress, sexual health changes, and side effects. The partnership has had a significant impact, particularly in raising breast and ovarian cancer awareness in Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Unite for HER’s Wellness program currently supports 6,545 members, with over 1,000 individuals enrolling in the new “Empowered Living” survivorship program (source: Unite for HER Annual Report 2023-2024).
Patients can improve their long-term health by adopting healthier lifestyles, such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a nutritious diet. Other factors, including, genetic mutations, obesity, and alcohol use also elevate risk. Alarmingly, younger people are being diagnosed with breast cancer at an increasing rate, with about 10% of new breast cancer cases occurring in those aged 45 and younger. Additionally, Dr. Shoshana Rosenberg’s recent research highlights that compared to older adults, adolescents and young adults with breast cancer develop more aggressive forms of the disease, requiring intensive treatment that disrupt their life plans.
Survivorship is about more than physical recovery—it's about improving quality of life. PRESTO, the partnership between MCC and Unite for HER, PRESTO, bridges the gap between physical recovery and quality of life by providing resources for managing anxiety, body image issues, fertility, and sexual health concerns. Through community support, education, and clinical research, this partnership is empowering patients to make informed health choices and build a brighter future.