Advocacy Training Increases Knowledge, Support and Communication Skills for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer

Authors:

Arin Hanson (Presenter)
Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Ingrid Mapanao, Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Catherine Ormerod, Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Janine Guglielmino, Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Public Health Statement: Young women diagnosed with breast cancer often face unique challenges including increased insolation, fewer financial resources and public misconceptions about the cause and prevalence of breast cancer in young women.

Purpose: In 2013, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) developed the Young Advocate Program to train low-income women diagnosed with breast cancer to use their personal experience to bring awareness of the disease in their communities, provide outreach and peer support and connect them to national resources.

Methods/Approach: The Young Advocate begins with an in-person training, followed by a year of service. The program targets low-income women, diagnosed under age 45. The training includes sessions on understanding breast cancer in young women, communication strategies, advocacy, and outreach. Following the training, LBBC staff work with participants to complete activities and distribute educational materials. Young Advocates participate in conference calls that foster engagement and connection between each other and with staff.

Results: LBBC has trained 112 young women through seven trainings. Nineteen percent of the participants were diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and 81% were diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. Forty-seven percent were African-American, 40% White, 8% Latina and 5% Asian. Evaluations show that the training increases knowledge of breast cancer, unique challenges for young women, advocacy opportunities, and communication strategies. In 2015, Young Advocates completed 50 activities and distributed 5,234 educational materials.

Conclusions/Implications: LBBC’s Young Advocate Program is a successful model for educating and engaging low-income young women affected by breast cancer. This is an effective model for community outreach and engagement for isolated groups.