Multiple Approaches to Increase Awareness and Support Among Young Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

On October 1, 2014, CDC funded seven organizations for a five-year cooperative agreement, “Multiple Approaches to Increase Awareness and Support Among Young Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer,” under the statutory authorities of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), Young Women’s Breast Health Awareness and Support of Young Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, section 399NM pf the of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 280m, and Section 301 of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 241.

For the first year, the average grant award is $360,000. Total funding for five years is approximately $2.5 million.

About the Cooperative Agreement

This funding specifically supports efforts to address gaps in support and health communication, marketing, and media approaches to disseminating health messages to young breast cancer survivors (YBCS). Funded applicants will address either of the following two component areas—

1. Development and implementation of a strategic and integrated multimedia health education and awareness campaign aimed at addressing the health information needs of YBCS, including but not limited to—
   1. Family history and genetic risks.
   2. Psychosocial health and support.
   3. Reproductive health and fertility.
   4. Family support.
   5. Other evidence-based preventive lifestyle behaviors.
2. Provision of structured support services to YBCS from diagnosis through post-treatment, including but not limited to—
   1. Tools to enhance communication between YBCS and providers during the initial diagnosis.
   2. Patient navigation services.
   3. Genetic testing and counseling services.
   4. Services that improve psychosocial functioning during and after treatment.
   5. Services that facilitate communication regarding reproductive health issues and/or the receipt of fertility-related services.

About the Awardees

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer provides personalized treatment summaries and survivorship care plans for young breast cancer survivors.
• FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered’s program eXamining Relevance of Articles for Young Survivors (XRAYS) translates scientific articles on emerging breast cancer research into language that is understandable. Young breast cancer survivors are able to understand how new research affects their lives and health care decisions.
• Johns Hopkins University Kimmel Cancer Center’s LiveWell program assembles educational materials, enhances delivery of care for patients, develops individualized prescriptions for wellness, and implements research discoveries for young women with breast cancer.
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Young Women Initiative tailors information and resources to help young breast cancer survivors face their diagnosis, understand the treatment options, manage side effects, talk with family and friends, and communicate with their employer.
• Louisiana State University Health Science Center/University of Mississippi/University of Alabama’s (Gulf States Young Breast Cancer Survivors Network) Survive Dat Program provides online support and resources to young breast cancer survivors. The program addresses family history and genetic risks, emotional and social health, and proven ways to live healthy.
• Sharsheret’s The Link Program provides patient navigation, peer support, genetics information, and survivorship resources to young breast cancer survivors.
• The Young Survival Coalition provides education, support services, and resources for young breast cancer survivors and co-survivors (husbands, partners, siblings, parents, and friends).