The newsletter of the Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center contains some of the most important news in breast cancer research as well as information about our programs. The publication will be sent out 2-3 times a year. To download and view past issues, please click on the corresponding link.  

Issue 17, Spring 2008. (0.8 MB Acrobat File)
In this issue, the cover article features the introduction of the survivorship program at UCSF. Also featured is a synopsis of the most important breast cancer research findings from 2006 and 2007 and the description of two exciting clinical trials currently open to enrollment at the UCSF Breast Care Center. Other articles of interest include profiles of both a patient and of new staff at the BCC.  

Issue 16, Winter 2006. (3.1 MB Acrobat File)
Targeted therapies for breast cancer constitute the focus of this latest issue of the BCC newsletter. Dr. John Park surveys the latest trends within this promising form of therapy, complemented by an article detailing the inspiring story of one BCC patient and her remarkable response to targeted treatments. Also in this issue, Gary Hughes and Dr. Laura Esserman review the proceedings of the Center of Excellence (COE) for Breast Cancer Care's recent Fall Conference.  

Issue 15, Summer 2005. (0.7 MB Acrobat File)
Two hot topics in this issue are statins and their possible role in the prevention of breast cancer and the “Oncotype DX” test, a new tool that might help us customize treatment for each patient. Another article describes the research we are conducting with our new EDRN (Early Detection Research Network) grant. And in a delightful piece, our interns describe their work with patients as “consultation planners in action.”

Issue 14, Winter 2004. (3.1 MB Acrobat File)
The lead feature of this issue is on TARGIT, an internationl trial studying intraoperative radiotherapy, in which the BCC is participating. Also in this issue is an article on the Life Tapes Project and a portrait of its creator, Dr. Ernest Rosenbaum. Other pieces include Dr. Laura Esserman’s perspective on MRI in high-risk breast cancer screening and a review of Joan Schreiner’s book “Still Here.”

Issue 13, Summer 2004. (1.08 MB Acrobat File)
As the BCC celebrates its 10th anniversary, Dr. Laura Esserman, in her introduction, looks towards our future goals. Article topics in this issue include: Breast implants and mammograms; women's health issues for breast patients; updates on hormone therapy; antibiotics and breast cancer, and how to cope with anxiety and depression. The issue also introduces Dr. Andrei Goga and features poetry by Sally Love Saunders

Issue 12, Winter 2003. (3.39 MB Acrobat File)
Author and patient advocate Musa Mayer deconstructs the myths around testing and follow up after primary therapy for breast cancer has been completed. Our new faculty member, Dr. Michelle Melisko, adds her commentary and describes the follow up process at the BCC. And mammography expert Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman explains what we can learn from the United Kingdom when it comes to screening mammography. Plus: An overview of the BCC Clinical Programs, and more!

Issue 11, Summer 2003. (7.41 MB Acrobat File)
In her introduction, Dr. Laura Esserman outlines the scope and vision of our new Center of Excellence grant. Dr. Hope Rugo explains the clinical impact of recent research in her "Report from San Antonio". Nurse practitioner Suzie Eder presents new guidelines for using Tamoxifen in the treatment of DCIS. The issue also spotlights our mammovan team, the Art for Recovery program, and the Wednesday Writer's anthology of women's writings.

Issue 10, Winter/Spring 2002/3. (2.19 MB Acrobat File)
"Lumpectomy saves as many lives as mastectomy" is the reassuring message on the front page of this issue. Inside, Hope Rugo and Laura Esserman offer a detailed analysis of the apparently elevated incidence of breast cancer in Marin County. Chris Benz adds a background piece to help readers understand the causes of breast cancer. A personal perspective is offered by Meridithe Mendelsohn in her account of a "Peak Experience".

Issue 9, Autumn 2002. (747 KB Acrobat File)
We fondly bid farewell to Debu Tripathy, beloved doctor and cherished colleague, who is moving to Texas. Feature articles in this issue include Mindy Goldman's "Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy" and John Park's overview on immunotherapy. Male breast cancer, a rarely discussed topic, is presented in a first-person account by Professor Jordan Konisky. And our Research Fellow, Brian Edlow, has an epiphany at the finish line of the California AIDS Ride.

Issue 8, Summer 2002. (1.29 MB Acrobat File)
Dr. Laura Esserman and Dr. Virginia Ernster present two different perspectives on the mammography controversy. Dr. Debu Tripathy offers details on aromatase inhibitors, a new hormonal therapy. Linda Vincent from the UCSF Breast SPORE Advocacy Core explains the importance of tissue research. Other contributions include fellow Brian Edlow's view of the future and patient Suzanne Bria's "Limerick Therapy".

Issue 7, Winter 2001. (1.47 MB Acrobat File)
Dr. Hope Rugo presents an update on hormonal therapy, and Dr. Britt-Marie Ljung explains "ductal lavage", a new technique to detect abnormal cells in women at high risk for breast cancer. Other features report on our Chinese Medicine research and on our Follow-up program. The moving story "Walking the 100-Mile Road", written by a former hospice nurse, brings up the issue of how we can support patients' quality of life when their disease has progressed to an incurable point.

Issue 6, Autumn 2001. (1.31 MB Acrobat File)
This special issue of the newsletter focuses on the many clinical trials at the BCC and on the importance of clinical trials in general. A selection of BCC trials is presented by the type of treatment or situation patients face to make it easier for them to identify trials they could participate in. We also report on our pioneering Lymphedema Program headed by Dr. Cheryl Ewing. The second in a series of patient portraits, "Smiles from Escalon", tells the story of Margie Reichmuth and her family.

Issue 5, Summer 2001. (1.26 MB Acrobat File)
Innovative technology and research is portrayed in the articles on our new digital mammovan (a world's first), on the "smart probe" that is being tested at the BCC, and on our soy-tamoxifen trial. Dr. Debu Tripathy highlights recent findings in breast cancer drug research. This issue also contains the first in a series of patient portraits; "A Strong Sense of Faith", the story of Anne Abruzzini.

Issue 4, Winter 2000. (0.98 MB Acrobat File)
Two reports from our researchers document our search for better cancer treatment. Our clinical prevention program is introduced in this newsletter. A guide written by Cancer Resource Center Director Keren Stronach helps patients evaluate medical information on the Internet. We also highlight our new Basket Project, and there are lots of pictures from our Autumn events, Taste for the Cure and Race for the Cure.

Issue 3, Summer 2000. (1.7 MB Acrobat File)
In our Summer 2000 issue, a number of our doctors have summarized new research findings and talk about clinical trials at our Center. You will also find articles on new programs in Collaborative Care and about our pioneering High Risk and Same-Day Assessment programs. Regular features like our calendar of upcoming events, Q & A, and book reviews provide much information of interest to our patients.

Issue 2, Winter 1999. (740k Acrobat File)
This issue contains an in-depth report about the bone marrow transplant controversy. Other articles cover the insurance aspects of genetic testing and the use of fine needle biopsy for diagnosis. We are also featuring information on new programs at the Breast Care Center, such as our Collaborative Care Services, our Breast MRI Research Program, and the ongoing Breast Cancer Personal Support and Lifestyle Intervention Trial at UCSF and CPMC.

Issue 1, Summer 1999. (136k Acrobat File)
This issue features a review of last year's most newsworthy breast cancer research findings. Debu Triapthy summarizes the news from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference, featuring updates on Tamoxifen and Herceptin. Henry Kuerer reports findings from a study on Neoadjuvant Therapy in which he was involved, and Stanley Leong explains the importance of the sentinel lymph node. Other articles concern clinical trials and our own research.