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The MBC Alliance

Many patient advocate groups have been working to change the landscape of MBC. In 2012,
representatives of breast cancer organizations joined with MBC patient advocates to discuss
ways to change the persistent lack of understanding about MBC and how organizations could
work together to provide better information and support services to people living with MBC.
All agreed that more could be achieved through working together than could be achieved by
working alone. Assistance for these early steps was provided by Celgene Corporation.

On October 13, 2013 (National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day), the MBC Alliance of
16 nonprofits and 5 pharmaceutical corporations was launched. Over the past year, the Alliance
has experienced growth in its membership as new advocates and industry partners realized the
Alliance’s potential to create positive change and impact individual lives. Currently, there are 29
member organizations.

Recognizing the valuable current and future contributions of each member to the MBC field,
the Alliance is committed in its approach not to duplicate efforts of its members. Collaboration
and learning from others is vital if the Alliance is to have real impact in improving the lives of
people living with MBC.

Landscape Analysis of MBC

As its first initiative, the Alliance undertook a landscape analysis to assess gaps, duplication,
and opportunities in MBC research, patient information and support services, and public
awareness to capitalize on identified opportunities, and identify the ways Alliance members 5 Areas of MBC
could work together to meet the unique needs of those living with MBC. investigation:

Scientific Research
Aspects of the MBC landscape examined by advocates and experts with knowledge and Quality of Life
experience specific to the area of investigation were: Information and Support
Services
1. Scientific research, including clinical trials, focused on MBC Epidemiology
2. Quality of life of MBC patients and their families and caregivers Challenges
3. Information and support services provided by MBC Alliance members Public Awareness.
4. Epidemiology of MBC: Challenges with population-based statistics
5. Public awareness of MBC.

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