The Women’s Cancer Resource Center has been supporting women with breast cancer for as long as October has been “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” and breast cancer care has evolved significantly since Jackie Winnow founded WCRC in 1986.

Through advances in genetic testing and improved treatment options including immunotherapy, survival rates for breast cancer have improved since our founding. New technologies like 3D mammography have resulted in earlier detection and better outcomes for those diagnosed. Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society released its annual compilation of cancer facts and trends, which reported that since its peak in 1991, cancer mortality in the U.S. has dropped 33 percent.

Yet even with all these advancements, cancer disparities exist for many of many of WCRC’s clients. A recent Breast Cancer Research Foundation article highlights that while breast cancer incidence rates among Black and white women are close, mortality rates are markedly different, with Black women having a 41 percent higher death rate from breast cancer.

At WCRC, we envision a world in which all people with cancer receive the care and support they need to survive, thrive, and advocate for themselves. We work towards this by helping our clients navigate the often-complex healthcare system, providing them access to information about clinical trials and advancements in care, granting financial assistance to help with food, housing and other cancer-related expenses, and by offering a variety of other supportive services in a community setting so they can connect with others.

Join us this month in thanking and supporting the local businesses who are ‘All-In’ and recognize our efforts to advance health equity. They are hosting events and activities to help us raise funds and spread the word about our free services. Please share in your networks and we hope to see you at an event this month!

WCRC is Changing the Future of Breast Cancer Genetic Testing and Research!

WCRC is participating in a critical research project, “Achieving Equity in Genomic Testing for Breast Cancer through Stakeholder-Led Strategies and Policies.” The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers, and the extent of said barriers, to genomic testing for breast cancer patients among low-income and under-represented populations, particularly in Northern California.

"We believe our knowledge of and experience with breast cancer patients, women of color, and their caregivers will be critical to inform this work," said Amy Alanes, Executive Director of WCRC.

This project responds to a lack of consistent genetic testing policies in California following a breast cancer diagnosis. While the medical standard of care encourages genetic tests routinely, women in some racial/ethnic and low-income communities are not routinely given these diagnostic tests, which can be critical in determining timely, effective and precise treatment protocols.

The study's principal investigators, Stanford University and The Latino Cancer Institute, have been collecting data through surveys and one-on-one interviews of area cancer patients and caregivers, including some WCRC clients, during the project's initial phases. Their research will be presented to WCRC and other project collaborators to inform proposals for policy changes that could have an impact on future breast cancer testing and outcomes in the State of California.

In the News: Study Reveals How Breast Cancer Patients Can Maximize Boosters to Minimize COVID-19 Risk

People Receiving Cancer Treatment Benefit From Extra COVID-19 Boosters

By Jamie DePolo

"Even though most of the world has dropped COVID-19 precautions, the threat of severe COVID-19 infection is very real for people who are immunocompromised, including people receiving cancer treatments.

"The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says immunocompromised people can get COVID-19 vaccine boosters as needed, so it’s not really clear when getting the boosters would be most effective.

"Now a study suggests the timing of extra vaccine boosters depends on the treatments a person is receiving. [...]

"If you’re receiving treatments other than chemotherapy alone for breast cancer, this study suggests that having an annual COVID-19 vaccine booster makes your COVID-19 risk about the same as someone who hasn’t been diagnosed with cancer.

"But if you’re receiving only chemotherapy, the results suggest that receiving a booster every three or six months would likely benefit you more."

Click here to read the full article.

Local Businesses going ALL-IN for WCRC Clients this Month!

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are beyond grateful to partner with area businesses and organizations through our All-in for Women with Cancer campaign! These area partners are going above and beyond to support Women’s Cancer Resource Center through a wide variety of activities during the month of October. We'll be sharing out special events, fundraisers, and outreach opportunities for you to support in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Check out all our 2023 All-in for Women with Cancer Community Partners and how you can get involved at wcrc.org/all-in!

Visit Today!

Round up your change at Ace!

“Observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month is very personal for me, as a BC thriver and survivor. My two breast cancer tumors found in July 2019 were caught early, Stage 1A, and after chemo and radiation, I continue to be cancer-free. I proudly wear my pink Ace shirt in October when I’m on the sales floor, which I’ve written too many names of team members, relatives and friends who have battled this disease. Sadly, a few lost their battle, but encouragingly, most names on my shirt are thrivers like me.”

-Michelle Leopold, BC Warrior & the Mom in our six Mom & Pop Ace Hardware Stores

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can go ALL-IN for Women with Cancer by rounding up your change at select area Ace Hardware locations! Turn your change into big support for our suite of free supportive services for East Bay cancer patients and survivors.

Last year, donations collected at Laurel Ace Hardware, Antioch Ace Hardware, Oakley Ace Hardware, and Pittsburg Ace Hardware totaled more than $5,500! Thank you, Michelle and the Ace family, for supporting WCRC year after year!

Laurel Burch joins All-in!

“In the spirit of my mother Laurel Burch’s abundant generosity, I’m honored to annually donate a percentage of sales to Berkeley’s Women's Cancer Resource Center. Laurel believed that healing takes place in the heart, one soul at a time. Her own life was challenged from birth by a rare bone disease that caused her to suffer more than 100 broken bones during her lifetime. Many of her paintings and the collections they inspired include words and phrases within the art itself intended to comfort, inspire, encourage, and support.” – Aarin Burch

Laurel Burch Studios is an independent woman-owned/black-owned retailer, jewelry company, and art licensing business focused on preserving the essence of renowned California artist Laurel Burch's original artworks and inspirational spirit. This year, they’re offering Laurel's Inspire Love Print for $1 (value $12) when added to any order and Laurel Burch Studios will donate $2 for each print ordered in October to WCRC.

Get YOUR print today!

Plus, Two Great Events You Can Attend!

Want to try a strength-training exercise class in a welcoming and adaptive environment? Now's your chance!

Join our friends at IBX Fitness for their Stronger Than Cancer class on October 16th @ 12pm. Register at https://ow.ly/vuJo50PU5cr!

Register here!

WCRC is delighted to be the beneficiary of Cooper Cogburn Presents: Stand-Up for the Cure on Saturday, October 21st! Go ALL-IN for local cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers while enjoying a night of gut-busting comedy.

Get your tickets!

Community Partner Spotlights

Thank you Walk Strong Bay Area for supporting WCRC!

Over the weekend, Walk Strong Bay Area completed their 6th annual 15 MILE walk to raise money for Bay Area breast cancer patients and support agencies. They've chosen WCRC's Faith Fancher Breast Cancer Fund, which provides one-time cash support to individuals with breast cancer, as one of the beneficiaries of their event and we could not be more honored!

Visit their website at walkstrongbayarea.org!

Project Loving Life's 13th Annual Gala and Luncheon is coming up on October 14, 2023!

Women's Cancer Resource Center is deeply honored to be the sole beneficiary of Project Loving Life's 13th Annual Gala and Luncheon. Each year, the community event, fashion show, and fundraiser out does itself in support of our Sister-to-Sister program. Under the leadership of its founder, Miss Bobbie Wakefield, Project Loving Life has raised a total of more than $63,000 for support groups, educational offerings, and community health advocate volunteers supporting the unique needs of African American/Black women facing a cancer diagnosis.

Thank you, Miss Bobbie and Project Loving Life, for your unwavering supporting of WCRC's Sister to Sister program. Learn more about the annual Gala and Luncheon at projectlovinglife.org!

Upcoming Community Events

The Latino Cancer Institute presents the 5th Annual National Forum: The Turbulent Ecosystem: Climate Change’s Impact on the Latino Cancer Burden!

Friday, October 27, 2023

3-hour live virtual event

9:00 am - Noon PST

The climate crisis is here. And it impacts cancer outcomes in ways we’re just beginning to understand. It’s more than just changing weather patterns. It’s toxic neighborhoods, lost homes, lost jobs, lost health. Join The Latino Cancer Institute (TLCI) and expert presenters as they share insights and new findings on climate change, environmental racism driven by bad policy, and how disparate climate factors exacerbate the Latino cancer burden.

Click here to view the flyer.

Or, click here to register to attend.

Find WCRC Tabling at these Upcoming Events!

- October 14th - Bay Point All-N-One Cancer Awareness Event

- October 17th - South Berkeley Farmer’s Market

- October 20th - Washington Hospital’s 15th Annual Think Pink! Breast Cancer Awareness Event

- October 21st - Alameda Health System: Health Fair

- October 28th - Cancer in the Black Community - Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

WCRC is taking part in #CARtober!

Is the thought of selling your unused car, truck, boat, RV, or motorcycle overwhelming? Donating it to WCRC is surprisingly easy!

Pick-up is free; your donation is tax-deductible; and best of all, you can support free and accessible cancer care and support at the same time. Help us turn October into #Cartober!