title: Opportunities for public health communication, intervention, and future research on breast cancer in younger women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Approximately 6% of breast cancers in the United States occur in women under the age of 40 years. Compared with women ≥40 years of age, younger women are diagnosed at later stages, have higher rates of recurrence and death, and may be predisposed to secondary breast or ovarian cancer. An informal meeting of experts discussed opportunities for research and public health communication related to breast cancer among young (<40 and/or premenopausal) women.
  
  
  METHODS
  In September 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hosted 18 experts in oncology, genetics, behavioral science, survivorship and advocacy, public health, communication, ethics, nutrition, physical activity, and environmental health. They (1) reviewed research and programmatic knowledge on risk and preventive factors, early detection, and survivorship; and (2) discussed ideas for research, communication, and programmatic efforts related to young women diagnosed with or at risk for early onset breast cancer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Levels of evidence and themes for future research regarding risk and preventive factors, including exposures, were discussed. Early detection strategies, including screening, risk assessment, and genetic counseling, as well as survivorship issues, follow-up care, fertility and reproductive health, and psychosocial care were highlighted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Community and academic researchers, providers, advocates, and the federal public health community discussed strategies and opportunities for this unique population. Although the evidence is limited, future research and communication activities may be useful to organize future public health initiatives.
authors.affiliation: Epidemiology and Applied Research Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. nbuchanan@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Buchanan
authors.forename: Katherine B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Roland
authors.forename: Juan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: Jacqueline W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Temeika
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fairley
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012008:Recurrence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult