Interest Statement

The shock of being diagnosed with infiltrating breast cancer in 1991 at the age of 34 was minor compared to a January 1997 diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer presenting in my cerebrospinal fluid, the onset of which was characterized by total unilateral weakness; severe, chronic headaches; severe, chronic nausea and vomiting; and severe, chronic pain in my lumbar spine.

Following four months of grueling treatments, all of my clinical symptoms eventually subsided – with the exception of intractable lumbar spinal pain. Thus, began my journey as a chronic pain patient.

I am now delighted to lend my advocacy, my story, and my voice to the Women in Pain Initiative, an important vehicle to social and medical justice for all women living and suffering from chronic pain. I hope that my story will bring attention to the plight of women of color in pain, and other medically underserved women whose pain conditions are often secondary to the discrimination they experience in every day life. I am pleased that the WIP Initiative is lending a strong voice to all women in pain, regardless of their color, status, or sexual orientation.

Biography

Susan Matsuko Shinagawa is a 12-year two-time primary, one-time recurrent breast cancer survivor and chronic pain patient recognized as the nation’s leading Asian American cancer advocate. She is past chair of the Intercultural Cancer Council, founder and co-chair at the Asian Pacific National Cancer Survivors Network, and the national Community Director for the Asian American Network on Cancer Awareness, Research and Training. She has received several advisory councils appointments, and is the recipient of numerous awards for her efforts to achieve parity in the healthcare for communities of color and poverty. In 2000, the American Cancer Society presented her with their prestigious Humanitarian Award, and the ICC established the Susan Matsuko Shinagawa Cancer Control Leadership Award in her honor.