This is a deeply personal crusade. I watched my beloved sister-in-law battle Stage 3 breast cancer without being fully aware of the risk of brain metastases. She received no routine brain scans and was tragically left in the dark about an emerging threat to her life, until it was too late. When she finally did get a brain MRI, a very large tumor was revealed that necessitated urgent and invasive brain surgery. The fallout was heartbreaking; robbed of her mobility, clear speech, and the ability to conduct her life independently, she was confined to a life of constant tremors and dependence on others.

This is a reality for too many. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, 10-16% of Stage 3 breast cancer women develop brain metastases (Lin NU. et al, 2018) and the risk for metastatic breast cancer patients is even higher. Despite these disturbing statistics, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines do not currently recommend pre-symptomatic brain MRI screenings for these at-risk patients.

The outcome of my sister-in-law is a stark illustration of why this must change. An earlier diagnosis could have afforded her a chance at less invasive treatments, better management of symptoms and ultimately, a higher quality of life in her final years. We cannot bring her back, but we can make sure that others do not have to follow her path. We demand that the NCCN Guidelines be revised to include routine pre-symptomatic brain MRI screenings for stage 3-4 and metastatic breast cancer patients.

Sign our petition to urge change and secure a better future for Stage 3-4 and metastatic breast cancer patients.