Project BRCA

Global Action for the Eradication of Breast Cancer

PROJECT BRCA

An Innovative Training Conference of the PBCN for Breast Cancer Activists

PROJECT BRCA is a training conference designed to transform women afflicted with (or who may have a personal concern for the disease) into breast cancer activists who will strongly influence the science, medicine and public policy processes of the disease.

Except when requested, the ideal venue is always at the Tiaong Breast Haven.

With an intensive three whole-day program, PROJECT BRCA prepares advocates for participation and leadership in the wide range of forums where breast cancer issues are being discussed and decided upon. PROJECT BRCA strives to provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding on which participants can strengthen and empower themselves as breast cancer activists.

Participants will:

- Learn basic language and concepts of science;

- Discover how to critically appraise scientific and medical literature;

- Acquire skills necessary to remain educated on controversial aspects of breast cancer;

- Study how breast cancer research decisions are made;

- Become familiar with the wide range of consumer advocacy opportunities; and

- Gain confidence to speak up, ask questions and actively engage in medical discussions

Subjects to be taken up include the following:

· Breast Knowledge (anatomy, physiology, hormones, ailments)

· Breast Health & the Environment (radiation, organochlorines, etc.)

· Breast Lymphatic & Immune Systems (detoxification and cleansing)

· Breast Cancer Prevention (nutritional, psychological, spiritual)]

· Breast Cancer Detection and Treatment Options (traditional and alternative)

· Breast Cancer Advocacy & the Environmental Breast Cancer Movement

(Precautionary Principle and Informed Consent)

Film Showings: 1. "Rosa's Breast" - documentary on the background of the PBCN

2. "Rachel's Daughters" - documentary on the environment and breast cancer

Workshops: 1. February 25, 2002 cover issue of Time Magazine, “Rethinking Breast Cancer”

2. Actual Case Study of a Woman’s Experience with Breast Cancer

PROJECT BRCA graduates are expected to engage in the global movement for the eradication of breast cancer. They are also expected to work closely among each other and with the PBCN to encourage and strengthen the widest participation of other women in the fight against breast cancer. Lastly, they are expected to actively pursue self-transformation into breast cancer warriors.

Project BRCA 1 25 – 27 October 2002 9 Graduates

Project BRCA 2 19 – 23 February 2003 8 Graduates

Project BRCA 3 30 April – 04 May 2003 14 Graduates

Project BRCA 4 11 – 15 June 2003 9 Graduates

Project BRCA 5 20 – 24 May 2004 11 Graduates

Project BRCA 6 29 July – 2 August 2004 14 Graduates

Project BRCA 7 21 – 25 October 2004 12 Graduates

*Project BRCA 8 19 – 21 November 2004 19 Graduates

Project BRCA 9 15 - 19 September 2005 15 Graduates

Project BRCA 10 24-28 November 2005 11 Graduates

**Project BRCA 11 10-12 March 2006 23 Graduates

. *Held in Zamboanga City in partnership with the Western MIndanao Breast Cancer Action (WMBCA).