Every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2007, 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in the United States, along with 62,030 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Thankfully, research breakthroughs have brought many new and promising treatments for breast cancer, and most doctors now encourage women to actively participate in making decisions about their treatments.

However, when dealing with breast cancer, women often feel overwhelmed by vast amounts of information, and the burden of having to make critical decisions quickly. Often there isn’t enough time for an in-depth discussion about treatment options, when the average doctor’s visit is seven minutes. In 1999, Dr. Marisa Weiss, a nationally renowned breast oncologist, founded breastcancer.org to address these growing needs.

breastcancer.org’s mission is to help women and their loved ones make sense of the complex medical information about breast health and breast cancer so they can make the best decisions for their lives. In the crowded and confusing world of online medical information, the breastcancer.org web site stands out as the place where women affected by breast cancer and their loved ones can find everything they need: the most up-to-date medical information and research and a supportive and warm online community.

breastcancer.org’s resources include:
• Over 4,000 pages of medically-vetted information
• An exemplary Professional Advisory Board comprised of over 70 members
• A robust Research News Program providing daily coverage of breaking breast-related health news accompanied by clear take-home editorial messages composed by breastcancer.org’s panel of medical experts
• Monthly Ask-the-Expert online conferences where visitors can participate in Q&A sessions with leading breast cancer experts
• The Celebrity Talking Dictionary, a unique educational tool where women can hear over 60 of their favorite celebrities say and explain difficult words related to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Fifty-one Discussion Board Forums on various breast cancer topics, including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. These discussion groups provide a vibrant, compassionate community for women and their loved ones
• A portfolio of print materials and video assets

The team at breastcancer.org is committed to meeting the medical, practical, and personal information needs of people affected by breast cancer so they can face breast cancer in an informed, confident, and effective way.