86 Print Materials As with web content, there is a scarcity of MBC information across print materials of individual Alliance members. The print materials tend to be of high quality, but few focus exclusively on the needs of people living with MBC (see Figure 13). Specific information provided by Alliance members in print and online tends to be complex, requiring a tenth-grade reading level for a basic understanding. Information about drug therapy is even more difficult to understand. This is a concern because of estimates that 1 in 5 patients have poor literacy and 89% of patients prefer visual materials to nonvisual material; wordy educational materials may not be read. Figure 13: Print Publications of Alliance Members Specific to MBC Conferences, Webinars, Support Groups, and Telephone Resources In-person support is vital for some MBC patients to help reduce feelings of isolation and allow for identification with others. Conferences, retreats, in-person support groups and other networking opportunities specifically for MBC patients help participants feel part of a community. Many breast cancer conferences do include MBC programs, but they could have more content. Conferences tend to be located in large cities, and some MBC patients find it hard to travel during treatment periods. Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Metastatic Breast Cancer Network have annual conferences specifically for MBC patients and caregivers. Information about in-person support groups is hard to find. Notable MBC publications: Guide for the Newly Diagnosed – Metastatic Breast Cancer, LBBC & MBCN, 2014 Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Metastatic Breast Cancer Series, Cancer Support Community, 2013 Metastatic Navigator, YSC, 2010 Managing Practical Concerns Raised by MBC, CancerCare, 2013 Notable MBC Specific Conferences and networking events: • LBBC - Annual • MBCN – Annual • SHARE - Regular networking events on MBC topics Notable support groups: MBC Retreats: A Journey of Courage and Hope for Couples by Johns Hopkins Hospital is supported through Avon Foundation for Women Metastatic Breast Cancer Network provides a list of known in person groups at http://mbcn. org/support#in- person-groups-for- mbc