BraveCoalition.org

01/28/2026

BRAVE is your online destination for breast restoration advocacy and education resources.
https://www.bravecoalition.org/

01/21/2026

Is Breast-conserving surgery associated with better quality of life than a mastectomy? How do different types of treatment impact the quality of life of patients? Click the link below to view the results of a one-year postoperative retrospective cohort study which used Breast-Q Satisfaction score as a surrogate for Quality of Life score.

Breast-conserving surgery is associated with better quality of life than mastectomy. Additionally, oncoplastic surgery is associated with a better quality of life than standard breast-conserving surgery. Patients should be counseled whenever multiple options for surgery are possible, and efforts sho...

01/15/2026

As 2026 begins, many people will set healthy New Year’s resolutions. For women recovering from breast cancer surgery, exercise after surgery is important, but caution should be used when getting started. Check out Kelly Sturm’s YouTube channel, Cancer Rehab PT. Kelly provides videos demonstrating various levels of exercise based on recovery stages and procedures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yfld-obDKM

01/13/2026

A synthetic form of progesterone may help slow hormone-driven breast cancer.
New research in Nature Cancer found that adding low-dose megestrol to standard anti-estrogen therapy slowed tumor growth in women with ER-positive breast cancer. In a study of 198 patients receiving letrozole before surgery, those who also took megestrol showed stronger tumor suppression—at both low and high doses—than those on letrozole alone.
Notably, low-dose megestrol is already a generic medication used to manage hot flashes during hormone therapy, highlighting its potential for rapid clinical impact.
https://www.healthday.com/health-news/cancer/hormone-drug-helps-fight-hormone-fueled-breast-cancer-trial-shows

12/31/2025

Happy New Year from the BRAVE Coalition Foundation!

12/24/2025

Happy holidays from the BRAVE family!

https://www.bravecoalition.org/

12/17/2025

BRAVE is doing important work to help breast cancer survivors understand their breast reconstruction options. After a mastectomy, many women choose reconstruction — but there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
BRAVE empowers patients with clear information, guidance, and the right questions to bring to their care team so they can make informed, confident decisions about their bodies and their recovery.
If you or someone you know is navigating this journey, explore their resources here: https://www.bravecoalition.org/

12/10/2025

NIH/NIEHS data from the Sister Study indicate that accelerated biological aging in breast cancer survivors is treatment-specific. Epigenetic aging measures collected ~8 years apart showed the strongest associations with radiation therapy, weaker links with endocrine therapy, and no association with surgery. As noted by senior author Jack Taylor, M.D., Ph.D., radiation-related aging effects remain detectable years post-treatment. These findings underscore the need to integrate aging biomarkers into treatment evaluation and survivorship care.
🔗 Full article: https://scitechdaily.com/breast-cancer-treatment-linked-to-accelerated-aging/

12/05/2025

Important insights on the connection between vitamin D status and breast cancer risk. Research shows a striking prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among women with breast cancer, and emerging evidence points to the role of VDR gene function in breast tissue health.
While mechanisms are still being studied, data consistently link adequate vitamin D levels with lower breast cancer risk. Worth a read for anyone interested in prevention and women’s health.
🔗 Full article: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/almost-all-women-with-breast-cancer-are-also-vitamin-d-deficient-how-to-achieve-and-maintain

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, join us in empowering breast cancer survivors.
Giving Tuesday is a global movement of generosity that takes place every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a day that inspires people everywhere to give back—whether through donations, volunteering, or advocating for meaningful causes.
At BRAVE, we are dedicated to providing breast restoration advocacy and educational resources to support survivors throughout their restoration journey. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to continue this important work.
If you're able, please consider making a donation to help us advocate for and support women as they navigate their breast cancer restoration options.
Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donate-to-help-patients-recover-from-breast-cancer-their-way
Thank you for helping us make a meaningful impact. 💗

11/26/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from the BRAVE family!
BraveCoalition.org

11/19/2025

New Breast Density Rules: What You Should Know
Since September 2024, all mammogram reports must note breast density and include a statement that additional imaging—like an MRI—may help detect cancer.

With 40% of women having dense breasts, deciding on follow-up scans isn’t straightforward. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says evidence is still limited, and added screening can lead to extra tests, biopsies, and costs. MRIs are often hard to access and can cost around $1,000 out of pocket.
👉 How can we make advanced screening more accessible and affordable for women who need it most?

Read more from NPR: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/21/nx-s1-5336241/dense-breast-mammogram-mri-cancer