Young Women Need Breast Cancer Education, Too - Support the EARLY Act

Most women older than 40 are aware of the risk of breast cancer - but women under 40 are also susceptible. Indeed, an estimated 10,000 of the 182,460 new cases of breast cancer in 2008 were diagnosed in women younger than 40.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), herself a recent breast cancer survivor at the age of 42, just introduced the Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY Act). This legislation would put an emphasis on breast cancer education for women 15 to 39 - an age group that even physicians don't often consider at risk, despite the statistics that show otherwise. Indeed, younger women have a greater likelihood of the cancer coming back, making early detection a critical component in the treatment plan. And many insurance companies are reluctant to cover diagnostic tests for patients younger than 40.

Her own battle with breast cancer has taught Rep. Wasserman Schultz the importance of getting the word out to younger women. And she needs your help in encouraging her colleagues to join Rep. Wasserman Schultz in cosponsoring the EARLY Act. For the younger women in your life, please sign the petition today!