ASK DR. BREM
What's the difference between thermography and mammography? My OB-GYN doctor says that thermography is not a
recognized detector
of breast cancer.
Thank you for your questions. Mammography is a proven technology to improve breast cancer detection. Studies have shown that women who undergo mammography have up to 44% improved survival from breast cancer due to the earlier stage at diagnosis. Although you are correct that mammography uses x-rays, you get about the same amount of x-rays flying from NY to California by virtue of being closer to the sun. Current mammography equipment is regulated by law and requires that only the smallest amount of x-rays be used.
Your Ob-Gyn is correct!! Thermagraphy is an experimental technology that uses heat to evaluate the breast. There are some current studies evaluating the use of thermagraphy based on the principle that breast cancer has more blood vessels and therefore more heat . However it is a TOTALLY UNPROVEN technology.
I understand your concern about x-rays, but I am more concerned that you would forgo a proven lifesaving tool due to this fear. Yes, mammography uses very low dose x-rays, but the risk of dying is proven to DECREASE not increase in women who have annual screening mammography. Every day, when we enter our cars, there is a risk. Life is filled with risk. However, we know that the RISK of dying from breast cancer DECREASES if you have an annual mammogram. So for your sake and the sake of all those that you love and who love you, overcome your fear of mammography and have your annual mammogram. You won't regret it!!! |
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SPRING HAS ARRIVED!
With the awakening of spring, flowering trees, daffodils and
tulips Brem Foundation is coming out of winter with excitement and energy. The first quarter of 2009 was a busy one including
community service  events, grants, awards bestowed on two of our members and
much more. Please enjoy this latest
issue of the Brem newsletter, share with us, and feel proud that you helped
make a difference! |
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CharityWorks Awards Grant to Brem
 Brem Foundation proudly announces the receipt of a $10,000 grant to support the Foundation's Biopsy Fund from CharityWorks of The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region! Brem Foundation was one of only 10 charities out of 45 applicants awarded grants. Thank you to Ellen Gordon, our Vice President and grant writer for getting us this incredible opportunity. CharityWorks Vice Chair, Rosemary Laphen presented the Foundation a $10,000 check at Brunch & Brem event on April 19th. |
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BIOPSY FUND
 In the first quarter of 2009, Brem Foundation paid $4,925.21 for necessary breast biopsies for uninsured or underinsured women. Without the assistance from Brem Foundation, these women would have had to wait months for this procedure. Thank you for helping us make a difference in women's lives.
The average cost of one biopsy is $1,000. With your continued support, women in the Washington, DC area who are in financial need will receive this invaluable service.
100% of your tax-deductible donation goes toward Foundation projects.
To make your tax-deductible donation log onto www.bremfoundation.org |
Brem Foundation Honored!
Honors
were bestowed on two Brem Foundation Board of Directors.
Dr. Rachel Brem was honored at the
George Washington University Cancer Gala on April 25, 2009. Dr. Brem received the Commitment to
 Overcoming Cancer Award. This award is
given to and individual or team who exemplifies the GW Medical Center
commitment to overcoming cancer through patient care, outreach, research,
education and/or policy work. Dr. Brem
received her award at a wonderful event that also honored Sen. Ted Kennedy who
received the Cancer Compassion Award and Jeanette Michael, Esq. who received
the Spirit of Life Award. The Foundation
is so proud of Dr. Brem and her unyielding commitment and passion to defeat
breast cancer. She is a true champion
and an inspiration to all of us involved with the Brem Foundation.
Sue Apple, President of the Board
of Directors was honored on March 21, 2008 at the 7th Annual Women
of the World Luncheon. Sue was presented
the Service Award by the Women League of Voters for her volunteer work on
several Calvert County charitable projects and as  one of
the founders of Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer. Sue received a proclamation from MD State Delegate
Sue Kullen. Congressman Steny Hoyer sent a proclamation delivered by his chief
of staff Betsy Bosart(,pictured at right with Sue Apple) and Senator Barbara Mulkulsky also sent a
proclamation. The Brem Foundation is
truly grateful to have the passion and energy of Sue
Apple as its' President and hard working advocate. Sue is truly a Rachel's Angel.
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BRUNCH & BREM
Thanks to hostesses, Marian Apple, Lynne Bergman, Beth Bonita, Stephanie Garfinkle, Lori Garnher, Jody Goldkind, Lindsay Junkins, Debbie Kivitz, Cindi LaPietra, Karen Porter, Charlie Wilson, and Tracy Young the Foundation held an informative, educational gathering at Manor Country Club in Rockville, MD on April 19, 2009.
Over 90 women attended the event to hear Dr. Brem speak about her strides in early breast cancer detection, answer questions about breast health, HRT's, and many other breast health questions.
The event was a huge success. "I'm so glad I came" was the consensus as the attendees exited the event.
The gathering raised over $8,500! |
 GOLFING FOR BREM May 5, 2009, Old South Women's Golf Association (OSWGA) hosted an opening day fundraiser at Old South Country Club in Lothian, Maryland. The skies cleared for a few hours during the week of rain to provide the ladies a wonderful day of golf and festive lunch with keynote speaker, Dr. Rachel Brem. OSWGA chose Brem Foundation as their charity of chooice this year because they wanted to help women locally. With tee donations, raffles and individual contributions, the fundraiser raised over $8,800! As always, 100% of the donations will support Brem Foundation projects.
At the brunch Dr. Brem spoke about the research she has accomplished with the Brem Foundation supported Research Coordinator, the effectiveness of the Brem Biopsy Fund that locally assists underinsured and uninsured women, and the steps women can pursue to take responsibility for their own breast health.
To OSWGA fundraiser chair, Diana Doswell and the other dedicated women who donated their time, talent and money, Brem Foundation is sincerely grateful. You donations will reverberate as they help make a difference for women in need.
If you would like to host a similar event, please contact the foundation at: info@bremfoundation.org.
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CFCNCA
Combined Federal Campaign for the National Capital Area The Foundation is excited to announce that in 2008 we received over $6,800 in pledged donations. This was our first year involved with the CFCNCA. The Brem Foundation board of directors would like to thank everyone who participated in this program. Now onto next year...We are proud to announce that the CFCNCA has accepted Brem Foundation to participate in the 2009 campaign! 
The Brem Foundation is a Local Independent Charity.
CFCNCA #33112
Thank you for making the Brem Foundation your preferred charity. |
BREM FOUNDATION PROJECTS
Biopsy Fund - $50,000 - helping
uninsured/underinsured women who are not covered by other programs receive
necessary biopsies
Research Coordinator - $40,000 - Assists Dr.
Brem with the publication of her research which helps woman locally and
globally.
Community Outreach and
Education
- Spreads the word about Dr. Brem's work, protocols and educates women regarding
how to achieve the best breast health.
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