Under 50

Breast cancer before the age of 50 presents some unique challenges, which is why we ask about your age if you request one of our Newly Diagnosed Packets. Younger people with breast cancer can often have more aggressive disease and lower survival rates. Race and ethnicity can also play a role, with African American women under 35 more likely to develop and die from breast cancer compared to non-African American women. (YSC)

Besides the medical implications, treatment for breast cancer can also impact dating, fertility, and plans for breastfeeding that may be on the minds of people in this age group.

With these considerations in mind, in addition to what we include in our Newly Diagnosed Packets, we have assembled some resources in Virginia and nationally for people diagnosed with breast cancer under age 50.

Resources

Here for the Girls
This is an organization based in Virginia focused on offering support to women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 51. They have in-person support groups through Beyond Boobs! and online support through Pink Link.
www.hereforthegirls.org

Bright Pink
This is a national organization dedicated to spreading awareness about breast cancer to young women.
https://www.brightpink.org/

Young Survival Coalition
This national organization is focused on young women diagnosed with breast cancer. They have a resource called the YSC Navigator that people can use as a guide through their treatment. They also have support and resources for caregivers/ “co-survivors”.
www.youngsurvival.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer Young Women’s Initiative
Program of Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national organization, focused on those diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 45.
https://www.lbbc.org/node/2031