Support the Breast Cancer EARLY Act!

Dear [Decision Maker],

As your constituent and a strong advocate against breast cancer, I urge you to support S. 994, the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act, recently introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME); the bill already has more than 30 co-sponsors. The EARLY Act was originally introduced in the House by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Sue Myrick (R-NC), Donna Christensen (D-V.I.), and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and now has almost 360 co-sponsors.

[Your comment will be inserted here].

If you have already agreed to co-sponsor the bill, thank you! If not, please sign on as a co-sponsor.

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.

While it is rare, young women can and do develop breast cancer. In the U.S. about 5 percent of all breast cancer occurs in women under age 40. Diagnosing breast cancer in young women can be more difficult because their breast tissue is often more dense than the breast tissue of older women. By the time a lump can be felt in a young woman, it is often large enough and advanced enough to lower her chances of survival. In addition, the cancer may be more aggressive and less responsive to hormone therapies.

There are benefits to starting evidence-based, age-appropriate breast health education early. By starting young, when women are still developing their lifelong habits, educating them about the benefits of healthy living and breast self-awareness will lead to a lifetime of empowerment. And they may be willing to adopt healthy lifestyles including exercise and nutrition.

When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. But because many younger women are diagnosed at later stages with more aggressive breast cancer, their survival rate is lower. With increased awareness for genetic counseling and testing, early detection, and treatment, we can improve the odds. That is why I urge you strongly to co-sponsor this critical piece of legislation.