Education Projects

Lymphedema: Understanding and Managing Lymphedema After Cancer Treatment, from the experts at the American Cancer Society

Available in January 2006, this new ACS book will provide readers with much-needed information about lymphedema. It is designed to be a practical handbook of how to cope with and manage complex physical and emotional lymphedema-related issues. Lymphedema provides support for those concerned about or diagnosed with lymphedema through offering existing evidence-based information; exploring areas of ongoing research and discovery; and outlining experts' current recommendations for precautions, diagnosis methods, and treatment. The book includes stories from women and men who have been affected by lymphedema through having the condition or caring for a loved one.

Horizon of Hope funds made initial development by a panel of medical experts and enhanced design medical illustrations for the book. Through Horizon of Hope, limited numbers of free copies of the book are being made available to select public libraries, oncology offices, and through local ACS offices.

Improving the Quality of Mammographic Interpretation

Since 1999, Horizon of Hope funds have supported a series of collaborative meetings and studies designed to ensure access for all American women to reading and interpretation of their mammograms that is of the highest possible quality. In 2005, a pilot study will test the delivery of a technology-based teaching system for radiologists designed to provide “accelerated case reading experience.” This system has the potential to improve the level of mammographic services available nationwide.

Breast Cancer Prevention Forum

With support from the Horizon of Hope, the American Cancer Society brought together a group of distinguished experts to give careful consideration to the available evidence on the important risk factors for breast cancer. Historically, little practical advice could be offered to women about reducing their risk of breast cancer. Though some important risk factors are not modifiable in practice, others may indeed be alterable. The Breast Cancer Prevention Forum aims to provide practical, evidence-based advice about realistic lifestyle choices women can make to reduce their risk.

In 2004, researchers supported by Horizon of Hope and the Breast Cancer Prevention Forum published a new analysis of the balance of risks and benefits associated with postmenopausal hormone therapy, in order to help women and their healthcare providers make informed decisions in this important and complex area. They concluded that hormone therapy is associated with losses in survival but gains in quality-adjusted life expectancy for women with menopausal symptoms. Women expected to benefit from short-term hormone therapy can be identified by the severity of their menopausal symptoms and their level of cardiovascular disease risk.

Improving the Quality of Clinical Breast Examination

In 2004, Horizon of Hope funds supported the development and dissemination with the American College of Physicians of a videotape teaching program designed to enhance the physical examination and communication skill of physicians. The program focuses on discussion with the patient of breast cancer risk, awareness, and detection, as well as on examination techniques.