title: 'Nothing fit me': nationwide consultations with young women with breast cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There exists little research about the experience of breast cancer for young women in Canada. To address this gap, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) and the Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative undertook a research project to explore the information and support experiences, needs and recommendations of geographically diverse Canadian young women with breast cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  We consulted with 65 young women in 10 focus groups held across Canada. All women had been diagnosed with breast cancer at, or before, 45 years of age. During the consultations the women were asked to discuss their information and support experiences and needs, as well as resource recommendations related to their diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overarching theme, 'Nothing Fit Me', revealed that accessed information, support and programmes/services did not 'fit' or match the women's age or life stage. When we asked for their recommendations the young women suggested that information and support match their age and life stage and that health-care providers create and implement several topical workshops concerning, for example, sexuality, lymphedema and reconstruction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings will be used by the CBCN as a general platform from which to conduct further research and/or action strategies. The CBCN will also implement the recommendations from this groundbreaking work as this network formulates a national strategy for young women with breast cancer.
authors: Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors: Judy
authors: J
authors: Gould
authors: Pamela
authors: P
authors: Grassau
authors: Jackie
authors: J
authors: Manthorne
authors: Ross E
authors: RE
authors: Gray
authors: Margaret I
authors: MI
authors: Fitch