The Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer’s lifesaving work increases awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and advocates for equal access to breast care. Stroll spoke with Clare Dougherty, Brem's CEO, as the foundation was readying for its fundraiser, Brem Bash, set for Sept. 21. 

• We educate: Brem creates compelling digital and live breast health education.

• We increase access: We remove barriers by addressing social determinants of health and ensuring medically underserved women receive lifesaving screening services. We provide free rides to women for their breast screening and diagnostic exams when transportation is a barrier to care.

• We advocate: Brem uses our voice at the state and federal level to drive policy change that advances early detection of breast cancer for all.

Dr. Rachel Brem is the Director of Breast Imaging and Interventional Center at The George Washington University Medical Center. Inspired by her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, and her own personal diagnosis, she has dedicated her life to fighting breast cancer. In 2006, a small group of friends and community organizers were inspired by Dr. Brem’s mission to save lives which sparked the creation of the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer. 

We envision a world where breast cancer is detected at the earliest possible stage, where every woman receives quality care tailored to her needs, empowering her to embrace a healthy and hopeful future. Brem’s goals are to significantly increase access to early detection services across the DMV and Baltimore. We aim to educate millions to take control of their breast health

and to become the leading voice in early detection of breast cancer.

One unexpected challenge we experience, in addition to funding limitations, is securing new medical partners to join the Wheels for Women program. While we have nurtured 15 robust existing partners across DC and Baltimore, new partner prospects of medical providers are often strapped for time to explore additional programs or add more into the mix of their already

overwhelmed operations. 

In March of 2020, breast cancer screenings came to an unprecedented halt. By June, area imaging centers began to reopen for screenings, but appointments were limited and patients continued to stay home. To address the eventual crush of patients with missed screenings, and understand the most pressing needs of our partners, Brem conducted a survey to understand how best to address evolving struggles of partners and their patients. Based on these learnings, Brem created the COVID-19 Emergency Initiative which transformed the B-Fund and its eligibility requirements in three ways: 

1. The new fund included eligibility for mammogram screening, in addition to the already covered diagnostic exams, to swiftly address the screening backlog.

2. The fund opened eligibility for those experiencing new financial hardship due to COVID-19.

3. New grants were distributed on an accelerated time frame.

Today, the B-Fund has continued to cover the cost of screening mammograms when out-of-pocket expenses are cost prohibitive. The program ensures that women receive essential tests after any abnormal screening, ideally within two weeks. Because of this program, women can

often start a treatment plan before their breast cancer grows to advanced stages or alternatively have peace of mind when an abnormality is benign.

A great way to get involved is to attend or host a breast health education event. Throughout the year, Brem hosts practical, actionable presentations about risk factors and screening options that provide people the tools to advocate for their best breast health. These programs are often hosted in community groups, churches, synagogues, women’s organizations, law firms and local businesses. If you are interested in helping to spread lifesaving information and host an event for your community, email info@bremfoundation.org. 

 

Wheels for Women, launched in 2019, is the country’s first and only free transportation program dedicated exclusively to breast cancer screening and diagnostics. Wheels for Women has provided over 3000 cost-free rides since inception!

Brem Foundation drafted and was instrumental in the passage of D.C.’s first-ever breast density law. The Dense Breast Screening and Notification Act of 2018 (D.C. Law 22-26) was unanimously passed and became effective on March 22, 2019. The law requires health care facilities to include breast density tissue classification on mammography results, as well as insurance coverage for the additional essential screenings beyond mammograms for women with dense breasts.

Brem has launched CheckMate, a simple online breast health quiz to determine personalized risks for breast cancer and prompt more informed conversations with medical providers based on those risks. Just three minutes and a smartphone can help women to understand their risk

factors and take action! CheckMate has been used by over 5,000 participants and is in both English and Spanish. https://breastquiz.bremfoundation.org/

Brem has a series of educational videos including "Pushback," "Let's Talk About Breasts, Baby!," "Am I Too Young?," and "What are Dense Breasts?" in English and in Spanish. Cumulatively, Brem’s breast health PSAs have been viewed by over six million people. learn.bremfoundation.org/breast-health-educational-videos