Young Women & Breast Cancer

The Facts

Despite prevailing perceptions, young women can and do get breast cancer. The facts show that young women should take this risk seriously:

• In 2008, the American Cancer Society projects 182,460 new cases of breast cancer in females; it is estimated that 10,000 of these women will be under 40 years of age, and nearly 23,000 will be under 45 years of age.¹
• One in 20 women with breast cancer is under age 40 when diagnosed. One in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer is younger than 45 when diagnosed.²
• Breast cancer accounts for 26% of all cancer in females 15-39 years of age and 39% of all cancer in 35- to 39-year-old.³
• Young women’s breast cancers are generally more aggressive and result in lower survival rates.
• Increasingly, evidence suggests that breast cancer before age 40 is biologically different from the majority of breast cancer that occurs in older women. Women younger than 25 may have a third type of biologically distinct breast cancer.
• As the incidence of young women with breast cancer is much lower than in older women, young women are often an underrepresented population in research studies.

The Issues

Young women diagnosed with breast cancer face a many unique issues, including:

• Body Image: Some women find it challenging to embrace their new body after breast cancer-related surgery. Body image can be especially important to young women.
• Relationships & Dating: Whether married or single, women may face intimacy issues after a breast-cancer diagnosis.
• Fertility: Breast-cancer treatment can affect a woman’s plans to have children—an issue of special importance to young women who may still be planning families.
• Financial Challenges: Breast cancer can dramatically affect a woman’s financial stability, especially young women still in the working world. Issues can include workplace difficulties, a lack of health insurance or being underinsured.

Young Survival Coalition—Background

Young Survival Coalition (YSC), based in New York City, is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women with breast cancer. YSC works with survivors, caregivers and the medical, research, advocacy and legislative communities to focus on the challenges faced by young women under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer.

After a decade of service, YSC has established nearly 30 affiliates in addition to its New York headquarters, reaches over 200,000 young women every year and has developed an impressive Medical Advisory Board.

Three young breast cancer survivors founded YSC in 1998. All under age 35 at diagnosis, they were discouraged by the lack of information and resources available to young women, and concerned about the under-representation of this demographic in breast cancer research. Unlike post-menopausal women who are overwhelmingly integrated into the design of clinical trials, young women diagnosed with breast cancer face higher mortality rates, fertility issues and the possibility and ramifications of early menopause.

YSC seeks to change the face of breast cancer by: advocating to increase the number of research studies based on young women and breast cancer, educating young women about the importance of breast health, and serving as a support network to all women under age 40 diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. and thousands of young women in the global breast cancer community.

Young Survival Coalition Affiliates

Young Survival Coalition—What We Do

Reources:

YSC Website

www.youngsurvival.org

YSC’s website is the most comprehensive resource in the world for young women affected by breast cancer. The site offers connections through online community and Survivor Stories; information through medical research summaries, clinical trial listings and breast cancer educational materials; and resources, including YSC activities and an online donation center.

YSC ResourceLink

ResourceLink@youngsurvival.org or 877.YSC.1011

Young women can find answers about breast cancer through this e-mail service and toll-free phone line. A YSC staff member will respond to questions and refer young women to appropriate resources.

Programs:

SurvivorLink

With the SurvivorLink program, a young woman facing breast cancer can connect with someone who understands—a trained YSC volunteer sharing a similar diagnosis, life experiences or concerns. Those interested can request a match by calling 877.YSC.1011 or e-mailing ResourceLink@youngsurvival.org.

MetsLink

YSC has developed ongoing programs to reduce the sense of isolation that many young women with metastatic breast cancer feel. We provide information specifically for those affected by this disease and address the unique and often “whispered” issues surrounding metastatic breast cancer in young women, a particularly underserved population. Programs include an educational video for young women living with metastatic breast cancer (The Beautiful Eight), a bulletin board heading on our website, and bi-monthly support and interactive teleconferences. For more information, e-mail metslink@youngsurvival.org.

C4YW—Conference for Young Women

YSC and Living Beyond Breast Cancer host this international conference for young breast-cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Approximately 1,000 young women affected by breast cancer come together to make connections, find inspiration and learn from world-renowned healthcare professionals and researchers speaking on relevant medical advances. To learn more on our C4YW page.

Educational & Multi-Media Materials:

YSC helps inform and inspire young women affected by breast cancer with a variety of free educational materials. Those interested can order these resources online in our YSC Shop or by contacting YSC at info@youngsurvival.org.

ResourceLink Guidebook

This publication boasts more than 160 pages filled with valuable resources for women at all stages of diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship. It offers a portal to numerous local, statewide and national assistance resources as well as more than 450 breast-cancer support groups.

Newly Diagnosed Resource Kit

This collection of tools, tips and resources helps young women manage their health and treatment and face their new diagnosis with confidence.

Brochures & Fact Sheets

• “The Facts-What every young woman should know about breast cancer” offers important information about young women and breast cancer. This brochure includes statistics to help young women understand their risk and guidance for what to do if you feel a lump.
• “Get to Know YSC” provides an overview of YSC and its programs.
• Fact Sheets each introduce a specific issue important to young women with breast cancer, answers common questions and provides resources for further information. Topics include hereditary breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer and living with advanced breast cancer.

DVDs:

• “Fighting for Our Future”: This Lifetime Television original documentary chronicles the inspiring lives of young women with breast cancer. The feature explores how young women deal with issues like dating and sexuality, fertility and pregnancy concerns, and mortality at a young age.
• “You Are Not Alone”: This DVD shares an intimate conversation among six women diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, providing support, education and hope for young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
• “Breast Cancer Legacy”: This documentary examines the role genetics and family history can play in young women affected by breast cancer. It explores the psychological, medical, ethical and inter-personal issues that young women face and can learn to overcome.
• “The Beautiful Eight”: This intimate discussion among eight young women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer offers inspiration, support and hope to young women facing this challenging disease.

YSC Print Newsletter—YSC Circle

YSC Circle, Fall 2010

Get Involved

For more information on the activities listed below, e-mail info@youngsurvival.org or call 877.YSC.1011.

Drink Beyond the Pink

Anyone can participate in or host this fundraising and breast cancer awareness program. Support young women facing breast cancer with any of three beverage-themed events: Pink Lemonade Stands, Pink Cocktail Events or Pink Tea Parties.

YSC Tour de Pink

More than just a ride, this rolling community brings cyclists together to raise money for young women facing breast cancer. Tour de Pink unites the country, with two three-day rides, one on each coast, and several one-day rides across America. For more information, visit www.ysctourdepink.org, e-mail tourdepink@youngsurvival.org or call 646.257.3027.

Adopt a Hospital

YSC volunteers “adopt” hospitals, cancer centers and doctors’ offices, supplying them with YSC publications so they can share vital breast-health information with young women. Adopt a Hospital page.