Komen responds to U.

S Preventative Services Task Force recommendations

Dallas, TX Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the worlds leading breast cancer advocacy organization, has carefully reviewed the data and new recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concerning mammography screening. The U.S. Preventative Task Force recommended yesterday that women between the ages of 40 and 49 should not have routine breast cancer screenings due to lack of proven benefits. Komen for the Cure issued the following statement today from Eric P. Winer, M.D., chief scientific advisor and chair of Komens Scientific Advisory Board. Susan G. Komen for the Cure wants to eliminate any impediments to regular mammography screening for women age for screening mammography at this time. Komens current screening guidelines can be found at www.komen.org and would not be changed without serious consideration. Our real focus, however, should be that one-third of the women who qualify for screening under todays guidelines are not being screened due to lack of access, education or awareness. These issues need focus and attention if we can make progress with screening in vulnerable populations, we could make more progress in the fight against breast cancer. Mammography is not perfect, but is still our best tool for early detection and successful treatment of this disease. New screening approaches and more individualized recommendations for breast cancer screening is urgently needed. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is currently funding research initiatives designed to improve screening, and we believe that it is imperative that this research move forward rapidly. Komen also provides funding for more than 1900 education, awareness and screening programs. We encourage women to be aware of their breast health, understand their risks, and continue to follow existing recommendations for routine screenings including mammography beginning at age 40. Robin Prothro, executive director for the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure stated: Amid the confusion it is clear early detection and intervention of breast cancer provides the optimum outcomes for longevity and healthfulness. Every woman needs a combination of tools to maintain good health including partnering with her physician in determining appropriate, personalized screening practices, knowing her body and recognizing changes to discuss with her health practitioner, advocating for her own best health and choosing healthy lifestyle behaviors. At Komen Maryland we are funding programs across the state that support these values and funding clinical research to further articulate screening guidelines, improve screening technology and understand the biology of breast cancer for improved intervention. In the meantime, mammography is the best tool we have for early diagnosis.

Robin Prothro, executive director, Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Courtesy photo

40 and older. While there is no question that mammograms save lives for women over 50 and women 4049, there is enough uncertainty about the age at which mammography should begin and the frequency of screening that we would not want to see a change in policy

State Senator supports opening of Life Sciences Institute

By Zaina Adamu
Baltimore City Community College recently introduced a rather new field of study at the University of Maryland, Baltimore BioPark. On November 16, 2009, the Life Sciences Institute (LSI), built on the second floor of a six-story building on UMBs downtown campus, officially opened it doors for students in biotechnology, environmental science, engineering and mathematics fields. As we continually seek out-of-thebox solutions to [help] people get grounded in college and move forward from there, we cannot help but notice the tremendous synergy made possible when a community college, our public school system, a major research university and the worlds foremost biotechnology industry work together, said BCCC President Dr. Carolane Williams. The 38,000 square foot facility is fully equipped with laboratories, classrooms and faculty offices. Red and white walls, floors and ceilings complement the schools Maryland flag-based theme. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD),
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who secured federal funding for job training anticipated at the site, greeted students in a lab class after attending a short ceremony on LSIs opening. She thanked them for the input they would eventually bring to a changing technologically advanced world. Housing the Life Sciences Institute at the BioPark is about creating jobs and new opportunity for students who go here and residents who live here, said Mikulski. Students will be a floor away from scientists developing new treatments and cures for cancer and diabetes. Massachusetts-based Biomere LCC, a biomedical research and drug development institution, has already requested to interview 18 LSI students, according to Dr. Kathleen Kennedy Norris, BCCC coordinator of biotechnology and LSIs onsite director. LSI has also created a partnership between BCCC, the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy, a local Baltimore city high school. The triad collaboration seeks to steer secondary

Dr. Carolane Williams, BCCC president; Dr. Michelle Harris Bondima, dean of business, health, sciences and mathematics; Dr. Kathleen Kennedy Norris, director of the Life Sciences Institute and coordinator of biotechnology; Maryland state Senator Verna Jones (D-44th); and U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD.) officially open the Life Sciences Institute on the University of Maryland, Baltimore downtown campus. Photo by Marc Summerfield

education students to careers in biotechnology, pharmacy, surgery technology and allied health.

The BCCC, University of Maryland and Vivien T. Thomas partnership is a breakthrough educational opportunity for Baltimore city residents, said Williams. The three-pronged partnership has implemented a 4+2+2 educational and career pathway; a strategic approach that allows students to complete four years of high school, two years at BCCCs LSI and another two years at a four-year institution. With many private corporations suffering in this difficult economy, the Bioscience industry continues to be a valuable source of employment due to federal funding, stated executive director of the Governors Workforce Investment Board Eric Seleznow in response to the 4+2+2 plan. Lakisha Young, a nursing student at LSI, travels daily from the Eastern Shore to BioPark simply because UMB is a great place to get a good education. When asked by Mikulski why she did not attend Chesapeake College, an institution closer to the Eastern Shore, she said: I love it so much. This is such a good school.
Positive stories about positive people!

The Baltimore Times, November 20 - 26, 2009 (www.baltimoretimesonline.com)