New York, NY--- Over 200 specialists in breast cancer care programs will gather to discuss the newest developments in access to care May 8-10 at the annual Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Forum, which will be held in Torrance, CA. The annual Avon Foundation Forum provides a unique setting for those involved in the science of breast cancer to come together with those charged with breast cancer education, outreach and delivery of care to the underserved.

The 2006 Forum, titled “Challenges and Solutions in Screening and Treating the Underserved,” will focus on the delivery of the latest advances in breast cancer screening and treatment to the under-/un-insured, minorities and other medically underserved populations. Speakers will include leaders in breast cancer research, such as Dr. Otis Brawley, who served as assistant director of the office of special populations research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) prior to being named deputy director for cancer control and population sciences for the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Attending will be leaders from 120 community-based organizations, 40 public hospitals, and 10 NCI comprehensive cancer centers, representing every US state and Washington, DC.

At this year’s Forum, the concentration will be on the challenges and solutions in providing quality care to the medically underserved, including outreach, patient navigation and cultural competency. The Forum also offers a unique opportunity for those involved in delivery of education and care to share best practices and learn the latest scientific advances that will impact the populations they serve.

In addition to the roundtable discussion and and keynote addresses, there will be a special screening of “Un Día Más,” a documentary video that follows 16 women through their breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Avon Foundation Forum Program Seminars and Keynote Addresses Will Include:

• Emerging New Treatments for Breast Cancer – Latest Research
• Disparities in Healthcare 2006: Are We Closing the Gap?
• Quality Breast Care--- What Every Woman Deserves
• Nutrition and Exercise During Breast Cancer Treatment
• Novel Imaging Technology for Breast Cancer Screening
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) Initiatives to Reduce Health Disparities and Patient Navigation
• Cultural Competencies in Outreach Programs
• Breast Cancer in Hispanic Women
• The Care Decision-Making Process & Patient Navigation

Expert Roundtable Discussions Include:
 

Outreach to Ethnic Populations	Resources for Younger Women
Outreach to Latina Women	Outreach to African-American Women
Outreach to Asian Women	Outreach and Support for Elderly Women Survivors
Outreach to Rural Communities	Complementary & Alternative Medicine for Underserved Women
Forming Successful Partnerships	Data Systems for Outreach/Patient Tracking/Follow-Up
Faith-Based Initiatives	How to Apply for Grants and Approach Funding Agencies

California-Specific Topics Include:
Harbor-UCLA Programs for Securing Treatment for the Underserved in Los Angeles
The California State Program, Every Woman Counts

Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Forums tackle the issues of research and access to care in alternate years. In 2005, the Avon Foundation Forum focused on the science of breast cancer and brought the leading breast cancer researchers together with the leading innovators in breast cancer care programs.

The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Forum thanks Presenting Sponsor GE Healthcare for its generous support. Funding is also provided in part from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series, including the annual event in Los Angeles. This year the Avon Walk LA takes place September 16-17.

About the Avon Foundation
The Avon Foundation, an accredited 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade launched in 1992, and Avon now supports breast cancer programs in some 50 countries. While advances have been made, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, and in the US there is a new diagnosis every three minutes. Through 2005 the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade raised and awarded more than $450,000,000 worldwide for access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved. Funding supports five areas: awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research. Beneficiaries range from leading cancer centers to community-based non-profit breast health programs, creating a powerful international network of research, medical, social service and community-based organizations focused on defeating breast cancer and ensuring access to care.

About the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series includes eight weekend-long events produced by the Avon Foundation [a 501(c)(3) public charity] to fund access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. In its first three years, the Avon Walk series has raised more than $100 million. Avon Walks offer participants a choice of completing a marathon walk (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over a weekend. The noncompetitive event are structured for all fitness levels. The 2006 Avon Walk cities include (in chronological order): Washington, DC, April 29-30; Boston, MA, May 20-21; Chicago, IL, June 3-4; Denver, CO, June 24-25; San Francisco, CA, July 8-9; Los Angeles, CA, September 16-17; New York, NY, October 7-8; Charlotte, NC, October 21-22. ###