Having spent a good part of my life involved in research projects within the walls of a major university, I am extremely cognizant of the rigor entailed in conducting studies that are based upon the most stringent of protocols. So it was not with this paradigm in mind that I decided to undertake another “research” project.

I asked a number of friends, both female and male, the following question: At what age do you believe a woman is at risk of developing breast cancer? The majority of responses provided were focused around the 50 to 60 age range. On occasion, someone would indicate that women in their 40s can be at risk. After all, the American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year while in good health.

Not one respondent in my scientific survey even gave thought to the fact that breast cancer DOES strike women who are in their 20s and 30s.

Meet a young survivor …
It was eight years ago — Cinco de Mayo, as a matter of fact — when Andrea Applegate, 33, sat alone in her car in the parking lot outside the radiologist’s office. She was sobbing and unable to comprehend what she’d just learned; unable to understand the words that the doctor had just used as he pointed to the image of her breast on the film. He used words like “mass,” “tumor,” “area of concern,” and “cancer.” He asked if she knew a surgeon. He warned her that she needed a biopsy without delay. “What?” she thought, “Really, I don’t understand. You must be mistaken. This can’t be happening to me. I am so young. I am so . . . healthy!”

Indeed, Andrea was the picture of health. She was careful with her diet, she was active and fit, and, in her early 30s with no family history of the disease, she thought that breast cancer was the least of her concerns. The fact is that Andrea is EXACTLY the type of woman who gets breast cancer — because there is no “type.” The stereotype, and the assumption, is that women with breast cancer are older, in their 50s and 60s, so the messaging often is directed toward that demographic.

During her journey through diagnosis and treatment (surgery, six months of chemotherapy, six weeks of radiation, five years of Tamoxifen), Andrea realized there was a gap in the support she received, the materials she was presented, and the information she researched. Most of the women portrayed in the literature didn’t look like her, much of the information presented didn’t apply to her and, because they were older than her — some by 20 years — few of the women in her support group faced the same issues and concerns that she did. They were in a different stage of life. Andrea felt frustrated and confused. Being a young, single, professional woman with no children (yet), she faced fundamentally different issues than the "typical" woman with breast cancer.

The Young Survival Coalition
The Columbus chapter of the Young Survival Coalition began in 2002 when two young women, Anna Cluxton and Jill Hymer, both recovering from diagnosis and treatment of the disease, met at a national conference for young women with breast cancer. They, too, realized there was a gap in resources in the Columbus community specifically targeted to the needs and perspectives of younger women. Since then, the YSC has come together for the very purpose of helping other women — young women — after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

The YSC is a nonprofit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer. The 3 A’s – Action, Advocacy and Awareness – serve as the foundation for YSC to educate and persuade the medical, research and legislative communities to address breast cancer in women under 40. The YSC also serves as a point of contact for young women living with breast cancer. For information about YSC in the Central Ohio community, visit www.youngsurvival.org/columbus.

Although Andrea’s experience preceded the YSC, Andrea knows that young women with breast cancer who live in Central Ohio now have access to an outstanding resource, the Young Survival Coalition.

Moving on
It has been eight years since Andrea’s initial diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. Today, Andrea feels as healthy as she did before, though she continues with drug therapy and doctor appointments to remain cancer-free. Andrea is as active as ever. She successfully defended her title as first-place finisher in the “Survivor Category” for the Komen Race for the Cure last May and intends to run the Boston Marathon in the spring.

She enjoys a fulfilling professional career, and is step-mother to two fabulous kids, Drew and Emily. In August, Andrea and her husband, Larry Smith, celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary. She credits Larry for always being supportive of her through her life as a young woman who has had breast cancer. He pushes Andrea to stay healthy, to do what needs to be done. With a gentle touch, her husband holds her hand during blood draws, IV sticks, and countless other shots, made all the more unpleasant because of her fear of needles. With a strong embrace, Larry assures her that he will take care of her forever. And with a simple smile, he makes Andrea believe that he believes she is the most beautiful woman in the world.

Support the Young Survival Coalition at 2008 In Living Pink
Friday, Oct. 10, 7-11 p.m.
Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St.
$60 per individual, $110 per couple
To register online, to preview auction items or to make a donation, visit www.YoungSurvival.org/Columbus  

Facts about Breast Cancer and Young Women
• One in every 229 women between the ages of 30 and 39 will be diagnosed with breast cancer within the next 10 years.
• This year, around 11,100 women under age 40 will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 1,100 will die.
• Breast cancer in young women is often very aggressive and the survival rate is lower than that of women over age 40 that have breast cancer.
• Since the incidence of breast cancer in young women is lower than that of older women, they often are underrepresented in research studies.

Dr. Philip Heit is Professor Emeritus of Physical Activity and Educational Services at The Ohio State University.