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Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Mainstreaming Women's Health in Congress with the First-Ever Women's Health Capitol Hill Day
First-ever Women's Health Capitol Hill Day includes Congressional Briefing with Experts Highlighting Gaps and Opportunities to Advance the Health of Women 'I care deeply about this issue because it is personal…Breast cancer runs rapidly in her family. My mom lost her mom when she was seven years old with two younger sisters'— Congressman Juan Ciscomani WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, May 23, 2025 / / -- On May 21st, Women's Health Advocates planned the first-ever Women's Health Capitol Hill Day that included a Congressional Briefing with U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH), hill meetings with 25 Congressional offices, and a Women's Health Month Reception with U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), and Emilia Sykes (D-OH). Approximately 90 national leaders from the life sciences industry and non-profits, investors, physicians, researchers and patient advocates descended on the nation's capital this week from across the country, representing half the states, such as California, Arizona, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and Alabama, among others. The Women's Health Advocates shared their professional expertise as physicians, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and patient advocates during the Congressional Briefing entitled 'Sex Matters: Learn How Sex Differences Impact Medical Research, Innovation, Health Outcomes, the Economy and More,' and in conversations with Members of Congress, such as Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), and their staff. With the goal of raising awareness about women's health gaps, the sex differences that exist at the cellular level impacting how diseases and treatments impact the body, factors shaping the health of women and ways to close gaps that strengthen families and the economy, the Advocates provided powerful evidence on the need for systemic changes. The briefing kicked off with remarks by former award winning NBC correspondent turned entrepreneur following her breast cancer diagnosis, Kristen Dahlgren. 'Women's health is a $1 trillion economic opportunity. That is good for America,' said Dahlgren, who founded the Cancer Vaccine Coalition and explained that by investing in research, a shot in the arm could prevent cancer. 'I want everyone to know that these cancer vaccines could and are already saving lives.' Rep. Ciscomani followed, stating the key conditions impacting women disproportionately and differently that he is focused on include coronary artery disease, lung cancer, Alzheimer's disease and autoimmune diseases and added his direct connection to women's health. 'I care deeply about this issue because it is personal…Breast cancer runs rapidly in her family. My mom lost her mom when she was seven years old with two younger sisters,' said Rep. Ciscomani, who hosted a Women's Health Roundtable in October to address the need to advance research initiatives, expand healthcare access, and promote innovation in women's healthcare. 'Heart disease is the number one killer of women and I went across the country telling my story because that is most important. When you tell your story there is someone out there that you have no idea they too have had the same health challenge,' said Rep. Beatty, who is a stroke survivor, co-chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition and consistently leading on the introduction of stroke legislation. Alisa Wilson, PhD, Life Sciences Managing Director for Accenture and author of Springboard Women's Health Report entitled 'Re-defining Women's Health' that was released on May 20th explained how women's health is often overlooked in healthcare in two areas. 'Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for women globally and there are more incidences of cardiovascular disease than all cancers combined and women make up 78% of the autoimmune disease patient population,' said Wilson. Her top recommendation for women is to participate in clinical trials to gather more accurate data as currently there is insufficient participation of women, and especially women of color, and studies are aggregated by sex only 50% of the time. 'Women are not little men; we have unique needs throughout the lifespan; we continue to have a gap in data because women have been historically underrepresented in clinical studies,' explained Nada Hanafi, MPH, MSc, co-founder of MedTech Strategy Advisors and former senior science advisor at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with expertise in ensuring increased accuracy in studies through enrollment in studies that are representative of disease impact in the broader population. In addition to FDA clinical trials, CMS reimbursement is shaping the health of women pointed out Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald, a Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeon at UPMC Magee-Women's Health and author of Price and Prejudice: Reimbursement of Surgical Care on Male Versus Female Anatomies. 'Women are automatically worth less money for a hospital; that bottom line is what matters,' said Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald as she explained that after reviewing over 100 reimbursement codes, she found that essentially the same procedures are reimbursed 30% on average lower for females as compared to males—but sometimes as much as 50% lower—by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Gaslighting and racial bias are other dynamics shaping the health of women that was shared by Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, who survived hemorrhaging after her child was born only because she pushed to call her doctor's cell phone in the very hospital where she serves as the Urgent Care Medical Director. Yet another gaslighting story that cost the life of a 17-year old girl from Pittsburgh, PA was shared by Lynn Banaszak, CEO of the Caileigh Lynn McDowell Foundation. 'Caileigh died because of the bias of the medical system when it comes to women and diagnosing what we say is causing us pain. She died because the system sees young girls as dramatic and perhaps not credible. The system assumes mental health issues in young women before exploring physical causes. The system is built to ignore the specific ways illness manifests in women differently than men,' shared Banaszak. Entrepreneurship driven by the diagnostic odyssey was another factor addressed during the briefing. 'I was a woman feeling like no matter where I went, I never could get answers from any doctor. It was always: drink more water, sleep more and have a less stressful job,' said Priyanka Jain, co-founder and CEO of Evvy as she explained why she started the company in 2021 to address the number one reason for why women visit their doctors. Since then, the company has served over 50,000 users with the first and only at-home test that includes one swab used to check for all bacteria and fungi present with metagenomics, an advanced form of sequencing. The intersection of hormones, menopause, Alzheimer's and heart health was also addressed by the panelists. 'The gaps in cardiac care for women include critical delays in symptom recognition, leading to heart attacks being more often fatal in women than men,' explained Dr. Jayne Morgan, who is a cardiologist, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart, and on-air medical news expert. Other speakers included Linda Goler Blount, MPH (CEO, Community Catalyst), Dr. Elizabeth Garner (CEO, Sena Therapeutics and past president of the American Medical Women's Association), Vanessa Joy Walker (breast cancer and mental health patient advocate and founder of 'Living After Crisis'), Meryl Comer (Co-Founder, Us Against Alzheimer's and Vice Chair, WHAM), Piraye Beim, PhD (CEO, Celmatix Therapeutics and Chair of the Endometriosis Foundation), and Dr. Mitzi Krockover (Managing Director, Golden Seeds and Producer, Beyond the Paper Gown). Following the briefing, Women's Health Advocates broke up into teams and walked the halls of Congress to share five key priorities—all of which pertain to the budget and reconciliation, which Congress was crafting and negotiating to garner the full support of the Republicans in the House: (1) Women's Health Research Interdisciplinary Fund within NIH (2) Women's Health Innovation Program within FDA (3) Perimenopause and Menopause report on research, gaps and training resources for providers relating to mid-life women's health care within the military (4) Preservation of health research grants that study women and impact of conditions using sex-based data (5) Medicaid programs and services that enhance the health of women and their babies, such as access to care during the entire first year postpartum The day ended with a reception with remarks shared by several members of Congress and menopause expert, Dr. Sharon Malone, who is an OB-GYN, Chief Medical Advisor for Alloy Women's Health and author of 'Grown Women Talk.' Other speakers included Lauren Ruotolo, who shared how her rare disease has shaped her life and why cuts to NIH could mean an end to the rare disease study she participates in. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi shared how in the 1990s she teamed up with fellow members of the Appropriations Committee: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and former Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) to fight for the inclusion of women in clinical studies and for $100 million for breast cancer research, as there was no significant funding at the time for this disease. 'Your mobilization, your coming to Washington, your advocating is so important because members have to hear from their own constituents. Nothing is more eloquent to a member of Congress than the voice of their own constituent,' said Pelosi. Finally, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) shared, 'Obesity, 3D mammograms, access to care, support for mothers, and paid family leave for women's well-being are some of the issues I've worked on in Congress, but nothing moves in Congress [without you]. For you to be here is critically important to advocate and educate. The voices that you bring are very important, but remember the journey of 1,000 miles begins with just one step.' Women's Health Advocates (WHA): Women's Health Advocates was founded by Liz Powell, Esq., MPH, who is the founder of G2G Consulting and has over 25 years of experience in working for and with government on policy, lobbying and grassroots mobilization. WHA is uniting people to educate government decision-makers on women's health gaps and policies and funding needed to advance the health of women. It consists of people in all 50 states covering all sectors of women's health as patients, physicians, investors, entrepreneurs, executives in business and nonprofits, and public health and policy experts. Learn more at ### Liz Powell G2G Consulting & Women's Health Advocates +1 202-445-4242 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Thinking pink raises awareness for cancer
Best pink outfit was awarded to Myra Donaldson at the Lions Club of Clyde & Districts Breast Cancer fundraising morning SUPPLIED The Facilities Building at Aurum Lifestyle Village was awash with pink as the Lions Club of Clyde & Districts hosted a vibrant morning tea in support of Breast Cancer Research last week. Around 60 guests gathered for the special event, donning decorated bras and their best pink outfits in a spirited show of solidarity for a cause that touches countless lives. The venue was transformed with pink bunting, balloons, flowers, and tablecloths creating a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere filled with warmth and community spirit. Attendees were treated to a spread of cakes and morning tea delicacies, all generously provided by club members and local supporters. Lions Club & Districts member Anne Dougherty said the generosity of everyone who attended was truly moving. "It was a meaningful morning, not just for the fundraising, but for the sense of togetherness." All proceeds from the event will go directly towards Breast Cancer Research, supporting essential efforts in prevention, treatment and ongoing support for those affected. Ms Dougherty said she was grateful for the generosity of spirit shown at the event and to everyone who donated, or contributed in any way. "Also a special thanks to Aurum Lifestyle Village for providing the venue for such a successful and inspiring event."
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Madonna wears wavy brunette wig to remember her mother
Madonna paid tribute to her late mother Madonna Louise Fortin Ciccone after celebrating Mother's Day recently. The 66-year-old singer decided to wear a wavy brunette wig, writing: 'I missed my mother so I channeled her...' Madonna was only five when her mom died, age 30, in 1963 from breast cancer after welcoming six children. 'It was just the greatest event of my life. It was like a part of my heart was ripped out,' Madonna recalled in Sky documentary Becoming Madonna in January. 'I was forced to grow up fast and understand my mother's death, to understand the psychological, all things that were going on. It was too much for a child I think. Last year, Madonna revealed she was kept in the dark about her mother's terminal illness. 'Nobody told me my mother was dying,' the self-made superstar wrote on Instagram. 'I just watched her disintegrate mysteriously, and then she disappeared, and there was no explanation except that she had gone to sleep, which explains my tumultuous relationship with sleep.' Each night of Madonna's 81-date Celebration Tour she would project an image of her mother during her 2003 song Mother And Father. 'When I stepped out on the stage and looked up at my mother's face every night, I said, "Hello,"' the two-time Golden Globe winner continued. 'I said, "Goodbye." I said, "Thank you. I hope you're proud of me." I said, "Please protect me and keep me sane."' Madonna's father Silvio Ciccone - who turns 94 on June 2 - was married to the family's housekeeper Joan Gustafson from 1966 until her death, at age 81, from cancer. Generations: Madonna and her mother shared the same first name Madonna will 'soon' re-release her sixth studio album Bedtime Stories and she's recording a sequel to her 2005 dance album, Confessions on a Dance Floor, with musical director Stuart Price. Madonna is the world's best-selling female recording artist and the most successful solo artist in the history of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart with 44 No. 1 singles.
WebMD
13-05-2025
- Health
- WebMD
The True Story of the Mental and Emotional Health of Survivorship
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and for many of us living in the aftermath of breast cancer, it brings a quiet invitation to look inward – beyond the scars, the statistics, and the survival stories – into the less-visible terrain: our mental and emotional healing. Survivorship is often misunderstood. From the outside, it might seem like the "hard part" is over. But surviving breast cancer is not a clean endpoint. It's a continued, evolving process of facing what is – and grieving what isn't. The truth is, survivorship is messy. It is confusing. It's full of contradictory emotions: relief and resentment, gratitude and grief, hope and fear. It's grieving the body we once had, the future we thought we were building, the safety of our bodies, and the certainty that once grounded us. And all of that is normal. What I've come to understand – both professionally as a mental health provider and personally as someone living this – is that processing emotions isn't about fixing ourselves. It's about building capacity. When we allow ourselves to feel grief, anger, guilt, and uncertainty, we are not failing at healing – we are actively participating in the human experience of it. Too often, especially in cancer spaces, we are praised for being positive, strong, and 'fighting' with grace. But the external and internal expectation to be endlessly resilient can create shame when the harder emotions inevitably show their faces. We need to normalize the full emotional experience of survivorship. We need to say: Feeling is not weakness. It is a human experience. We don't process our emotions to make them disappear. We process to understand. We make space for them. We feel them to reclaim our humanity. That is what builds resilience – not emotional perfection, but emotional presence. This month, I've been reflecting on what it means to truly care for our mental health after cancer. It's not a single breakthrough moment. It's building a toolbox – one coping skill at a time. For me, that's meant: And maybe most importantly: letting go of the idea that I have to 'move on' from what changed me. Healing doesn't mean erasing what happened. It means integrating it, day by day, in a way that honors where you've been and who you're still becoming. So to my fellow survivors – and to anyone sitting with hard feelings this month – I offer this: You are not broken because you're still grieving. You are not weak because you still worry. You are not behind because healing doesn't look linear. Real progress isn't the absence of feeling – it's the willingness to be with yourself, fully, even when it hurts. This is how we rebuild. This is how we rise – not by denying our pain, but by holding it gently. Let May be a reminder: Your mental health matters in survivorship, not just in treatment. Your emotions are not problems to solve – they are evidence that you're alive, still in it, and still moving forward.
Business Upturn
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
CytoDyn Announces Data Suggesting Novel Mechanism of Action of Leronlimab for the Treatment of Solid Tumors
Survival observations in mTNBC patients correlated with increased PD-L1 expression Preliminary evidence suggests leronlimab has potential to turn 'cold' tumors 'hot' VANCOUVER, Washington, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) ('CytoDyn' or the 'Company'), a biotechnology company developing leronlimab, a CCR5 antagonist with the potential for multiple therapeutic indications, today announced new data suggesting a novel mechanism of action of leronlimab for the treatment of solid tumors. CytoDyn analyzed data from its prior clinical trials of patients with metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer ('mTNBC') and found that leronlimab treatment correlated with increased expression of an immune cell protein or 'checkpoint inhibitor' known as programmed death-ligand 1 ('PD-L1') on patient's circulating tumor cells ('CTCs'). CytoDyn's results indicate that 15/17 (88%) of patients who received a weekly dose of 525 mg or higher experienced a significant increase in PD-L1 expression on their CTCs over a 30-to-90-day period after starting leronlimab. Increasing expression of PD-L1 can be likened to turning 'cold' tumors 'hot', elevating PD-L1 levels to the level necessary for patients to potentially derive benefit from further treatment with a class of drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors ('ICIs'). As previously announced, CytoDyn identified a group of patients with mTNBC who had failed a median of two prior lines of treatment in the metastatic setting but showed improved overall survival rates after receiving leronlimab. The Company confirmed that 5/5 patients (100%) who demonstrated a significant increase in PD-L1 expression after receiving leronlimab and received treatment with any ICI remain alive today. Four of these patients (80%) currently identify as having no evidence of disease, and the fifth patient is alive and identified by the clinical site as 'stable.' If the results above are confirmed prospectively, the Company believes the mechanism could be effective across a wide range of solid tumor types, and in particular benefit cancer patients with low levels of PD-L1 who were previously unresponsive to or ineligible for checkpoint inhibitors. 'Leronlimab's induction of PD-L1 on CTCs in patients with otherwise 'cold' tumors opens a promising field of exploration for what could amount to significant improvements to patient care and outcomes in solid tumor oncology,' said Richard Pestell, MD, PhD, AO, the Company's Lead Consultant in Preclinical and Clinical Oncology. 'We are hopeful that further short-term investigation will confirm our working theory and open new pathways for patients with a range of common and aggressive forms of cancer to access treatment options that were previously out of reach.' 'We are thrilled to announce this apparent mechanism behind the improved survival in patients with refractory and metastatic TNBC,' said Dr. Jacob Lalezari, CEO of CytoDyn. 'Leronlimab's ability to induce an inflamed or 'hot' tumor environment, that could then be treated with ICIs, would be a game changer in solid tumor oncology. Prospectively confirming these findings in patients with TNBC is a top priority. We have also amended our current colorectal cancer trial to ensure the prospective collection of PD-L1 data in a second type of solid tumor.' About CytoDyn CytoDyn is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of leronlimab, an investigational humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that is designed to bind to C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), a protein on the surface of certain immune system cells that is believed to play a role in numerous disease processes. CytoDyn has studied leronlimab in multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, infectious disease, and autoimmune conditions. Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024, including the section captioned 'Forward-Looking Statements' and in Item 1A, and in subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. Media Contacts CytoDyn Inc. Riyaz Lalani Gagnier Communications [email protected]
