Resources for Young Women with Breast Cancer

Young women can and do get breast cancer. I know this because I am one of them. Diagnosed at age 30, I was completely dumbfounded to learn that I had breast cancer. While breast cancer in young women accounts for only a small percentage of breast cancer cases, the impact of the disease is significant and real. More than 250,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 or younger are living in the U.S. today, according to the Young Survival Coalition. And more than 13,000 young women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. According to research released this year, the incidence of metastatic breast cancer - the most advanced stage of breast cancer - is on the rise in younger women under 40. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, I found it somewhat difficult to find online information and research specific to my age group. However, I have since discovered and compiled several resources for young women with breast cancer. I often share these resources with other young women faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, in hope that they will find them useful as they navigate through their journey. http://www.clevelandstatecc.edu/green/forum/viewthread/10636/

 Please share the following resources with any young women you know fighting breast cancer. Resources for Young Women with Breast Cancer: Bright Pink Bright Pink is the only national non-profit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women, while providing support for high-risk individuals. Keep A Breast Foundation The Keep A Breast Foundation is the leading youth-focused, global, nonprofit breast cancer organization. The organization provides support programs for young people impacted by cancer and educates people about prevention, early detection, and cancer-causing toxins in our everyday environment. Living Beyond Breast Cancer LBBC’s Young Women’s Initiative offers tailored programs for women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45. This initiative is funded by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Susan G. Komen Recognizing that young women with breast cancer may have special concerns that are different from those of older women, Susan G. Komen offers educational materials and information targeted specifically at young women. Tigerlily Foundation. http://uchem.berkeley.edu/forum/read.php?26,465436
 The Tigerlily Foundation’s mission is to educate, advocate for, empower and provide hands-on services and support to young women (15-40), before, during and after breast cancer. Young Survival Coalition Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. YSC offers resources, connections and outreach so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/forums/range/read.php?9,26782