Support Young Women, Support the Breast Cancer EARLY Act

In the U.S., about 10 percent of all breast cancer occurs in women under age 45. When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. But when it is not detected early, as is the case for many young women, the survival rate is much lower. For women under 45, who are diagnosed at later stages with more aggressive breast cancer, there is a lack of awareness about the risks of breast cancer and therefore there is a lack of screening and detection.




The Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act – just introduced in the Senate – is a chance to change that. The EARLY Act will address the unique concerns facing young women with breast cancer by:

• Initiating an evidence-based public education campaign about breast cancer in women under age 45 - with an emphasis on women at higher risk due to their race, ethnicity or genetic heritage.
• Educating health care professionals about the risk factors, opportunities for genetic counseling and testing, and unique challenges that face young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Providing grants to organizations that provide credible health information directed to young women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation is offering an opportunity to contact legislators about the EARLY Act on their website.