One word that describes facing breast cancer, regardless of who you are or where you are in life, is [insert five-letter-word that starts and ends with the letter ‘S’ here]. It’s an overwhelming journey that millions of people go through, but some have made it their mission to make this path a little easier to tread for others. They’ve raised awareness, pushed for better treatments, and offered support to those who need it most.
In a previous blog, we talked about how breast cancer affects men and women differently. Now, let’s focus on the inspiring men and women who’ve made a real difference in the breast cancer community. These bright minds worked hard to improve the way we understand, address, and talk about breast cancer, bringing new hope and aid to millions along the way.
I. Pioneers in Modern Cancer Research
Breast cancer research has come a long way, all thanks to the efforts of several individuals who dedicated their careers to exploring and treating the disease.
The following men and women are only a few of the many researchers and clinicians who have made advancements in the push to eradicate cancer:
1. William B. Coley
William B. Coley, also referred to as the “father of cancer immunotherapy,” made remarkable contributions to the cancer treatment field, particularly through his innovative approach that focused on harnessing the body’s immune system. In the late 19th Century, Coley noticed that some cancer patients who contracted bacterial infections exhibited signs of tumor regression. This observation led him to develop “Coley’s toxins,” a treatment that injects killed bacteria into patients to stimulate an immune response. He published his conclusion in the Annals of Surgery in 1891.
Coley’s approach was pioneering in that it recognized the immune system’s potential to combat cancer, long before immunotherapy became a standard treatment for some malignant diseases. Although his methods were initially met with skepticism and were overshadowed by the advent of radiation and chemotherapy, his work laid the groundwork for modern immunotherapy.
Today, various cancer treatments build on the principles behind Coley’s toxins. Focusing on the body’s natural defenses is an alternative to radiation, chemotherapy, and other toxic approaches. Coley’s legacy is a reminder that innovation can stem from looking at old problems in new ways.
Learn more about immunotherapy for breast cancer at New Hope Unlimited.
2. Michael Shepard, Dennis Slamon, and Axel Ullrich
In 2019, this trio won the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for developing Herceptin (trastuzumab), an immunotherapy treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer. Their combined efforts transformed how oncologists address this aggressive form of breast cancer worldwide.
Dr. Axel Ullrich, a molecular biologist, was instrumental in the early stages by identifying and cloning the HER2 gene, which is overexpressed in a subset of breast cancer cases. Dr. Michael Shepard, a cancer researcher, contributed by developing an antibody that could target the HER2 protein. Dr. Dennis Slamon, an oncologist, took this work further by leading the clinical trials that ultimately proved Herceptin’s effectiveness in treating HER2-positive breast cancer.
Together, these researchers faced many challenges but remained committed to bringing this life-saving drug to patients.
3. James Allison
Nobel Prize winner Dr. James Allison is one of the most influential figures in the field of cancer immunotherapy. His groundbreaking work has transformed how malignancies, including breast tumors, are treated by shifting the focus toward harnessing the body’s immune system.
Dr. James Allison, an American immunologist, discovered the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the 1990s. Allison’s research focused on the protein CTLA-4, which functions as a brake on the human immune system. He realized that by blocking CTLA-4, the immune system could be unleashed to attack cancer cells more effectively. His research led to developing the first immune checkpoint inhibitor drug, ipilimumab, which the FDA approved in 2011 to manage and treat melanoma. Allison’s work has changed cancer therapy by providing a new, less toxic approach that taps into the immune system’s power.
4. Tasuku Honjo
Dr. Tasuku Honjo, a Nobel Prize-winning immunologist, discovered the immune checkpoint PD-1 (Programmed Death-1) in the early 1990s. Like CTLA-4, PD-1 is a protein that downregulates the immune response. Honjo’s research demonstrated that inhibiting PD-1 could enhance the immune system’s ability to pinpoint and destroy cancerous cells.
His discovery later resulted in a new class of cancer drugs called PD-1 inhibitors, including pembrolizumab and nivolumab. These immunotherapy drugs work against various cancers, including tough-to-treat breast cancers.
5. Suzanne Topalian
Dr. Suzanne Topalian is a highly respected figure in immunotherapy, known for her pioneering work with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Her research, which focused on the PD-1 pathway, translates Dr. Tasuku Honjo’s Nobel-winning discovery into clinical practice.
One of her most significant contributions was her work on the clinical development of anti-PD-1 therapies, including nivolumab and pembrolizumab. These therapies have shown phenomenal success in treating various cancers, such as melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer, and are being explored for their potential in treating breast cancer. Her breakthroughs offer long-term benefits for patients who previously had limited options.
II. Advocates and Activists Who Raised Breast Cancer Awareness
Advocacy and activism help raise awareness, influence public policy, and provide support to those affected by the disease. Over the years, several individuals have contributed to this cause, ensuring that breast cancer remains a public health priority and that patients receive the care and support they need.
1. Susan Love
Susan Love is a renowned surgeon and author who spent decades working to improve the way we understand and treat malignant breast tumors. She penned “Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book,” which some refer to as the bible for women with breast cancer. Her book’s information on breast health has empowered countless women to pause, ponder, and make better healthcare choices.
Love was an early promoter of minimal surgery. She was against the “Slash, Burn, and Poison” approach to breast cancer and favored removing the lump (lumpectomy) in early disease over removing all breast tissue (mastectomy).
Love’s contributions go beyond education. She has been a fierce advocate for breast cancer research, particularly in underexplored areas, such as the environmental factors that may play a role in disease development. The Tower Research Cancer Foundation established the Dr. Susan Love Fund for Breast Cancer Research in her honor, aiming to raise money to improve prevention and treatment strategies.
2. Nancy G. Brinker
Nancy G. Brinker is a prominent figure in breast cancer advocacy. She founded Susan G. Komen in 1982, in honor of her sister, Susan, who lost her battle with breast cancer at the young age of 36. What began as a small, grassroots organization has grown into one of the world’s largest and most influential breast cancer charities. The organization has raised over $3 billion for breast cancer research, education, and support. It has funded countless initiatives that helped advance the fight against the disease.
Brinker’s work has not only raised awareness but also helped destigmatize breast cancer, encouraging open conversations about the disease and promoting early detection through mammography. Her advocacy has reached global levels, and her tireless efforts have brought about real change in how breast cancer is perceived and treated.
3. Betty Ford
As First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977, Betty Ford became an unexpected advocate for breast cancer awareness after publicly sharing her own diagnosis and subsequent mastectomy in 1974. At a time when cancer was often discussed in hushed tones, Ford’s openness about her experience brought breast cancer into the public eye and helped destigmatize the disease. Her candidness encouraged many women to seek screenings and to speak more openly about their health, leading to increased awareness and early detection.
4. Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge, a Grammy Award-winning musician, has used her voice and influence to raise awareness about breast cancer after her diagnosis in 2004. Etheridge underwent surgery and chemotherapy and openly shared her journey with the public. Her willingness to discuss her experience with breast cancer, including the decision to appear bald at the 2005 Grammy Awards, resonated with many and brought more visibility to the disease.
Etheridge has also been vocal about the importance of alternative breast cancer treatments and lifestyle changes in managing the disease. Through her music and public appearances, Etheridge inspired others to take control of their health and support breast cancer awareness initiatives.
5. Rod Roddy
Rod Roddy, best known as the announcer for the television show “The Price Is Right,” brought attention to male breast cancer when he publicly shared his diagnosis in 2001. Roddy’s choice to discuss his condition challenged the common misconception that breast cancer only affects women. His public battle with the disease helped raise awareness about male breast cancer and encouraged men to seek medical advice if they noticed symptoms.
Remember, although it’s rare, men can and do get breast cancer. While their breasts do not fully develop like women’s do, all men still have breast tissue.
6. Charlotte Haley
Charlotte Haley, a breast cancer survivor, is the woman behind the most recognizable symbol in breast cancer awareness: the pink ribbon. In the early 1990s, Haley began distributing peach-colored ribbons to raise awareness about the need for increased funding for breast cancer prevention. She attached these ribbons to cards exposing the National Cancer Institute’s small funding for breast cancer prevention.
Haley’s effort caught the attention of major organizations, and although the color was changed from peach to pink, her work laid the foundation for what would become an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. The iconic pink ribbon is now synonymous with breast cancer advocacy, with countless organizations adopting it to promote awareness and raise money for research.
7. Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty, best known for her strong female roles in Beverly Hills, 90210, and Charmed, became a high-profile figure in the breast cancer community after her diagnosis in 2015. Doherty chose to be open about her journey, sharing the details of her treatment and the emotional and physical challenges she faced through social media and interviews. By doing so, she provided an unfiltered look at the realities of living with breast cancer, from chemotherapy and surgery to the impact on her mental health and body image.
Doherty’s courage in sharing her story has helped raise awareness and cultivate a sense of solidarity among breast cancer patients and survivors. Her openness has also sparked important conversations about the disease, including the importance of early detection. She continued to advocate for cancer research and encouraged others to stay vigilant about their health until her passing on July 13, 2024.
8. Christina Applegate
In 2008, Emmy Award-winning actress Christina Applegate was told she had breast cancer. She was only 36 at the time of her diagnosis. Applegate decided to undergo a double mastectomy after genetic testing revealed she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, which is a leading risk factor for breast cancer.
Applegate’s decision to go public with her diagnosis and treatment inspired many women to take proactive steps regarding their health. She has been a vocal advocate for genetic testing and early detection, encouraging women to understand their risks and options. In addition to her advocacy, Applegate founded the non-profit organization Right Action for Women, which gives financial assistance to women who need genetic testing but may not be able to afford it. Her efforts have made an impact on awareness and prevention, particularly among younger women who may be at risk.
9. Richard Roundtree
Richard Roundtree, an actor best known for his role as John Shaft in the 1971, 1972, 1973, and 2002 Shaft films, became an advocate for male breast cancer after his diagnosis in 1993. Roundtree discovered a lump in his chest, which turned out to be malignant.
Roundtree underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, and up until his passing in late 2023, he used his platform to raise awareness. His advocacy has challenged the misconception that breast cancer is solely a woman’s disease. The screen icon also encouraged numerous African-American men to be more vigilant about breast health.
10. Marisa Weiss
Dr. Marisa Weiss is the founder of Breastcancer.org, a leading online resource for breast cancer information and support. Her work focuses on educating and empowering patients, loved ones, and healthcare providers with accessible, reliable facts about breast cancer. She has also authored several books on breast cancer prevention and treatment, helping to bridge the gap between complex medical information and patients’ needs.
III. Doctors, Nurses, and Caregivers
In the struggle against breast cancer, the contributions of doctors, nurses, and caregivers often go unnoticed. These individuals are on the front lines, providing the critical care, support, and encouragement that patients need as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment. While their names might not be as widely recognized as those above, we witness their impact every day.
1. Doctors: The Guiding Hands
Doctors, especially oncologists and surgeons, are responsible for diagnosing cancer, devising treatment plans, and guiding patients through the complex and often overwhelming process of disease management. Their expertise determines the most effective treatment options, whether it be surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, precision oncology, or a combination of protocols.
One notable figure in this category is Dr. Harold Freeman, who developed the concept of patient navigation. This model ensures that patients, particularly those from underserved communities, receive timely diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Freeman’s work has helped reduce barriers to care, allowing more patients to receive the treatment they need, regardless of their background or financial situation.
Doctors like Dr. Freeman embody the dedication and commitment required to not only treat the disease but also to address the broader social issues that can affect a patient’s access to care.
2. Nurses: The Compassionate Caregivers
Nurses are often the unsung heroes in the healthcare system. These medical professionals are the ones who spend the most time with patients; they manage symptoms, administer treatments, and offer a listening ear during some of the most challenging moments. They provide continuous care and emotional support to patients throughout their treatment journey.
Oncology nurses handle the complexities of cancer care, from managing chemotherapy side effects to educating patients about their condition. They also support patients’ mental and emotional well-being by helping them cope with the stress and uncertainty that a cancer diagnosis often accompanies. Their ability to connect with patients on a personal level while providing compassionate medical care is invaluable.
3. Caregivers: The Unseen Support System
Family members and friends who take on the role of caregivers provide essential day-to-day support, from helping with household tasks to offering emotional encouragement. Caregivers typically accompany patients to appointments, manage medication schedules, and provide the emotional stability they need to face treatment.
Caregiving is a very demanding role that requires patience, resilience, and an immense capacity for empathy. Aside from being a labor of love, it can also be emotionally and physically exhausting. Caregivers may need support themselves, as they tread the challenges of helping a loved one through such a difficult time.
What to Remember
Breast cancer has impacted countless lives, but the progress made in research, advocacy, and patient care reflects the hard work and dedication of the men and women mentioned not only in this article but in other publications. From pioneers in medical research like Dr. William B. Coley, tireless advocates such as Susan Love, and, of course, the unsung heroes—doctors, nurses, and caregivers—who provide daily support to patients, each person has advanced our understanding, treatment approaches, and awareness of breast cancer. Everyone’s contributions remind us that progress in managing and, ultimately, defeating breast cancer, comes from many different directions.
