Rro Dr Sylvia Heywang-Kobrunner and Prof Apffelstaedt |
The rest of the speakers were from South Africa. The topic for Dr Judy Whittaker's talk was "Traditional prognostic indicators vs molecular prognostic indicators" This is a huge subject. Traditionally, the management of breast cancer has been based on what the tumour looks like microscopically (the grade and the presence of tumour cells in surrounding vessels), the size, the involvement of lymph node and the ER and PR sensitivity. However, there are many tests available that look at the genetics of the tumour. In time, they may take over from traditional pathology. Dr Karen Fieggen gave an excellent talk on the impact of Angelina Jolie discussing her decision to have a bilateral mastectomy. Time will tell whether she has changed the overall pattern of practice.
After the tea break, we had a second talk from Prof Dr Heywang-Kobrunner. She was followed by
Dr Shane Barker who gave a
Dr Ines Buccimazza and Dr Shane Barker |
Ann Steyn standing with Dr Baatjes in front of the BIGOSA banner |
At the end of the morning, Ann Steyn gave a 15 minute talk on the role of advocacy in developing countries. It is the first time a breast cancer survivor has been invited to address BIGOSA and I hope she will be the first of many. As always, she gave a succinct presentation outlining the work being done by ABC and the enormous amount that still needs to be done.
The afternoon was spent discussion the management of breast cancer in low income countries and I will write a second blog about that.
Every year, a prize is given by Mrs Stathoulis for the best free paper. This year's winner was Dr Ettienne Myburgh. We said good bye and thanks to our president-Prof Apffelstaedt and our secretary Dr Karin Baatjes. We welcomed out new president-Dr Ines Buccimazza and our new secretary Dr Chas Chacala.
Dr Ettienne Myburgh |
Next year's conference will be held in Durban.
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