Patient Advocacy Groups for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer Megan Dwyer Brisbane, Australia.
-
Upload
poppy-gaines -
Category
Documents
-
view
221 -
download
0
Transcript of Patient Advocacy Groups for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer Megan Dwyer Brisbane, Australia.
Patient Advocacy Groups for Young Women Affected
by Breast CancerMegan Dwyer
Brisbane, Australia
Young Women - Advocacy
Background/Statistics
Unique issues for young women
What is advocacy?
Examples
How to get started
Young Women - FactsOne in 14 women with breast cancer is
under age 40One in eight women with breast cancer is
younger than 45 when diagnosed.26% of all cancer in females 15-39 years
of age and 39% of all cancer in 35-39 year olds.
Women ages 15 to 54 die more frequently from breast cancer than any other cancer.
Young Women - FactsIn the U.S.:
almost 12,000 diagnosed annually under 40
almost 23,000 diagnosed annually under 45
Young Women - Challenges
Compared to older women, young women generally face more aggressive cancers and lower survival rates.
Evidence suggests breast cancer before age 40 differs biologically from the cancer faced by older women.
Since breast cancer occurs at a much lower rate among young women than in our older counterparts, we remain underrepresented in many research studies.
Young Women - Challenges
No effective breast-cancer screening tool
Unique issues for young women:The possibility of early menopauseEffects on fertilityQuestions about pregnancy after diagnosisConcerns about body imageChallenges to financial stabilityLong term survivorship issuesGenetics and hereditary breast cancer
What is advocacy?
Advocacy
Advocacy: The act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy; active support.
Patient Advocacy: Promotion and protection of the rights of patients, frequently through a legal process.
Advocacy
Taking action in order to to benefit others.
Forms of advocacyRaising awareness
Providing support
Sharing your story
Lobbying – policy change (government)
Fundraising
Taking action
Attending a conference
Sharing information and experiences
Examples
Young Survival Coalition
Young Action on Breast Cancer
Amazon Heart
Young Survival CoalitionFounded in 1998
3 women diagnosed under the age of 35
Discouraged by the lack of information and research on young women diagnosed with breast cancer, they founded YSC and became a voice for thousands of young women who are diagnosed yearly with breast cancer.
Young Survival Coalition
The premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer.
A powerful community fighting breast cancer in young women.
YSC believes no woman diagnosed under 40 should be left to face breast cancer alone.
Young Survival Coalition YoungSurvival.org Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer ResourceLink Information and Guidebook SurvivorLink Peer to Peer Support MetsLink: for young women with metastatic breast cancer Educational Videos, Audio Files and Brochures Newly Diagnosed Resource Kits and Treatment Navigator Adopt-A-Hospital Campaign Healthy Young Outreach Ask-the-Expert Series YSC Newsletter The Factor Series- Educational Suites Local support and education programs
Young Survival Coalition
Young women facing breast cancer together.
www.youngsurvival.org
Young Action on Breast Cancer
Young Action on Breast Cancer
Melbourne based voluntary committee of young survivors
Formed in 2004 to address advocacy issues
Mission: YABC is committed to advocating the unique needs and issues which face younger women affected by breast cancer providing them a voice.
Young Action on Breast Cancer
Collaborate with other organisations to ensure the best outcomes for young women diagnosed with breast cancer
Seek sponsorship an funding to develop projects
Volunteers help bring initiatives to fruition
The Care PackageProvides practical help,
and comfort to the newly diagnosed young woman
Supports young women and their families at a time when they most need it
Alleviates some of the financial, domestic and emotional burden faced by younger women when diagnosed
1st National Conference for Young Women
Held in October 2007 in Melbourne
Approx. 170 women from across Australia attended
Conference was provided free of charge to survivors
Workshops held to identify and discuss issues
Amazon Heart
Amazon HeartAdventures for Breast Cancer Survivors
Amazon HeartAwareness
Media
Telling stories
Peer support
Fundraising
IMPACT!
How to get startedWhat are you passionate about?
Who shares your passion?
Brainstorm
Develop a plan of action
Get started and stick with it!
Who will you impact?