Breast Cancer And Young Women National Cancer Institute Statistics estimate that, breast cancer is the leading cause of death in young women ages 15-54. More than 250,000 women age 40 and under in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lives, and more than 11,000 women will be diagnosed next year. Further, younger women often have more aggressive breast cancers and higher mortality rates.
The Virginia-based Tigerlily Foundation works “to educate, advocate for, empower and provide hands-on support to young women affected by breast cancer“ and will be hosting a Young Women’s Health and Empowerment cocktail reception on June 11, 2009 at the American Newswomen’s Club on Embassy Row.
Rep. Wasserman Schultz, who will be a keynote speaker on the June 11 event, shared her personal story about fighting breast cancer. Consequently, she introduced the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act, or EARLY Act.
According to a press release, the purpose of the legislation is to direct the Centers for Disease Control “to develop and implement a national education campaign about the threat breast cancer poses to young women of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and the particular heightened risks of certain groups."
The campaign will help educate young women and better enable health care professionals to identify the specific threats and warning signs of breast cancer, which will lead to early diagnoses and saved lives.
The bill calls for $9 million a year from 2010 to 2014. The EARLY Act will also providegrants to organizations that support young women diagnosed with breast cancer in order to receive the assistance they need—including social and psychological support, fertility preservation counseling, and recurrence prevention training.
“I found my cancer early because of knowledge and awareness,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz in a press release. “I knew that I should perform breast self-exams, and I was aware of what my body was supposed to feel like. We need to ensure that every young woman in America can rely on more than luck because their survival depends on it.”
Maimah Karmo, founder of Tigerlily Foundation will also be speaking at the event. “I created this organization to educate women under 40 about breast health and support those affected by breast cancer. It is important that as a service provider for young women, we invite them to participate. Tigerlily Foundation supports Rep. Wasserman Schultz’ EARLY Act, which will bring awareness and education to young women in terms of breast cancer. Young women need to be equipped with the right tools that will allow them to be a partner in their breast health. Without our young women, we have no future,” Karmo said in a press release.
The event will be held from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and will be at 1607 22nd Street, NW, Washington, DC. Tickets can be purchased at www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/events.html.