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

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—

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.
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

CDC received applications from 25 organizations. With available resources, CDC was able to fund Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Johns Hopkins University, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, SHARSHERET, Inc., and Young Survival Coalition, Inc. The remaining applications were ranked as “Approved, but Unfunded.”

Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women

CDC has convened an Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women (ACBCYW), a federal advisory committee established by the Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act, section 10413 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148). The EARLY Act authorizes CDC to develop initiatives to increase knowledge of breast health and breast cancer among women, particularly among those under the age of 40 and those at heightened risk for developing the disease.

The ACBCYW helps CDC develop evidence-based approaches to advance understanding and awareness of breast cancer among young women through prevention research, public and health professional education and awareness activities, and emerging prevention strategies.

For more information, please review the advisory committee charter[PDF-224KB], the list of members, and information about meetings.

Upcoming Meeting

The next meeting of the ACBCYW will be held in person on the following dates and times—

December 4, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.
December 5, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to noon EST.

Contact Information

For information about breast cancer, call CDC-INFO at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636); TTY: 1-888-232-6348, or use CDC-INFO’s information request form.

For information about the ACBCYW, contact—

Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
4770 Buford Highway, MS F-76
Atlanta, GA 30341
USA
E-Mail: acbcyw@cdc.gov