What is metastatic breast cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an incurable, albeit treatable, progressive cancer that originates in the breast and then spreads to other parts of the body, such as bones, liver, lungs or brain.
What is the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance?
The Alliance is a coalition of nonprofit groups, advocates, individuals living with metastatic breast cancer, and industry partners. While each member has a different mission, together all are committed to improving the quality of life for women and men living with metastatic breast cancer. Each member of the Alliance brings their own distinct area of experience related to cancer, breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer.
Why was the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance formed?
Formed in October 2013, the Alliance sought to shine a light on, and address issues affecting the estimated 155,000 women and men living with the disease today in the U.S. and for whom treatment never ends. Their hope for longer and a better quality of life lies with advancing research specifically focused on metastasis, a greater awareness of the disease and how it differs from early stage breast cancer, understanding the extent of the disease, and stronger avenues of information and support. Read the press release here.
What does the Alliance do?
The Alliance coordinates its members to draw on their experience, expertise and resources to address issues identified in its 2014 report – Changing the Landscape for People Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer – including the lack of understanding of metastatic breast cancer, advancing scientific research, removing barriers to clinical trials, improving how patients are counted statistically and widening patient access to information and support services. Read more about it here.
Does the Alliance provide help to women and men who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer?
The Alliance does not provide financial assistance or medical advice for people living with metastatic breast cancer. Many of our members provide essential information and support services, including financial support. Some of our members fund scientific research specific to the disease. See the list of our members’ resources here.
How can I learn more about the work of the Alliance?
Read our research report – Changing the Landscape for People Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer, and sign up below to be added to our mailing list.
Join our email list
How can I or my organization become a member of the Alliance? What are the criteria for membership in the Alliance?
Applications for membership from individuals and organizations are assessed using various criteria, including the following:
- a commitment to working collaboratively and cooperatively with other Alliance members
- a desire to help promote the work of the Alliance and its members via social media and other networks
- a pledge to not misrepresent or disparage the Alliance, its members, or its activities
To begin the membership process, please follow this link to the Membership Application forms.
Once my Membership Application form has been submitted, when can I expect to hear back from the Alliance regarding its status?
The Executive Group meets every six weeks. Unless additional information is required, you should expect to hear from us regarding a decision within two months of your submission.
What does it cost to become a member of the Alliance?
There is no Membership Fee for individuals or nonprofit members. We do ask each member to nominate at least one person from their organization to be actively involved in the work of the Alliance, usually through a Working Group or Project Subcommittee.
Is the Alliance a nonprofit organization?
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a registered 501(c)(3), is our fiscal sponsor and provides us with in-kind administrative and financial support. The Alliance is currently led by Chair, Beth Burnett, Independent Advocate; Vice Chair, Margaret Flowers, PhD, Managing Director, Research Program, BCRF; Past Chair Christine Benjamin, LMSW, Vice President, Patient Support and Education, SHARE Cancer Support; and Chair Emerita, Shirley Mertz, President, MBC Network. Day-to-day activities are overseen by Executive Director, Laurie A. Campbell.
Where does the Alliance get its funding?
Certain activities of the Alliance are supported by the unrestricted financial contributions of our pharmaceutical/biotech members who share the vision of the Alliance.
How can I donate money to the Alliance?
The Alliance does not accept donations from the general public. If you wish to make a donation to the cause of metastatic breast cancer, please consider supporting the activities of our members. See the list of our members here.
