This article was written by Mahin Motamedi Witkowski: Thousands of the world's top medical professionals gathered for the 24th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Dec. 10 to Dec. 13. The conference embraced general sessions, poster sessions, plenary discussions, mini-symposiums, lectures, case-study luncheons and dinner presentations. The group exchanged information on various clinical trial results, evaluated studies and discussed the future of conventional medicine. In my opinion, almost all the topics lacked concrete positive results -- because of the bottom-line focus on profitability, no doubt. Not even one word was exchanged about the role of natural medicine in breast cancer control/reduction/elimination. The only would-be presentation on the effects of dietary flaxseed on mammographic density was a presenter no-show. However, the related abstract in a handout indicated that lignans "may have" anti-estrogen potential and that dietary flaxseed is the richest source. I feel the "window of opportunity" may be facing east -- beyond the Atlantic Ocean - in the medical communities of those European countries that, during the symposium, showed an interest in studying natural medicine. Hopefully, the European interest is contagious. Another "window" presented itself when, during one of the poster sessions, I browsed through the participants' materials. A large poster's title was: "Strategies to evaluate the clinical potential of botanical agents for breast cancer." It provided some information about the use of medicinal plants, Chinese herb preparation methods and the anticancer effect of herbal extracts. The poster read: "Botanical therapies are commonly used worldwide for the treatment of cancer, yet laboratory and clinical evaluations have not been systemically conducted." No new "News," but a gleam of hope, nonetheless. Also attending the symposium were 50+ advocates from throughout the United States who presented their views by evalutating the presentations, participating in poster sessions, offering information booths and answering questions. Ann Fonfa, the most active breast cancer activist I know, wasted no time in voicing her opinion and challenging the presenters every chance she got. It was the greatest honor for me to meet and be associated with all the advocates. I also had the honor of meeting and, along with Ann Fonfa, having a private dinner with Doctor George Wong, Ph.D, who also attended the symposium. Dr. Wong is Ann Fonfa's and other Amazons' herbalist, and maybe "mine" if he moves to San Antonio (I'm smiling). Ann's NOTE: Mahin Motamedi Witkowski is a member of the AMAZON Internet discussion group of women using alternative therapies for breast cancer. This was her first ever advocacy activity. 12/120/01 Dr. H. Liu, MD,PhD Tamoxifen Reduces Benign Breast Diseases AP report from 12/11/01 Dr. A. Buzdar Letrozole (Femara) Information Conclusions from MEDSCAPE Doctor's Guide Doctor's Guide 12/01 MEDSCAPE Report MEDSCAPE Report President of NBCC talks about advocacy An overview Ann Fonfa's presentation on 2001 Conference Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.