NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Though breast cancer is less common in younger women, there are more than 250,000 women living in the U.S. who were diagnosed before their 41st birthday and more than 13,000 more will be diagnosed during the next year₁. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15 to 44₂, and their emotional and medical concerns are different than those of women over age 45.
To address the unique needs of these women and those of their partners, families, friends and caregivers, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) and Young Survival Coalition (YSC), two of the most well-respected breast cancer nonprofit organizations in the country, will co-host the 13th annual C4YW (Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer) from February 22-24, 2013.
Registration for this year's conference, which will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, Wash. (on Seattle's Eastside), will open on Monday, November 5. The early registration fee is $150 per person until Friday, February 8, 2012, and $175 thereafter. Healthcare provider rates, travel grants and fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
Produced through a partnership between LBBC and YSC, C4YW programming provides insight and guidance to help young women deal with the complex emotional and medical issues they experience after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis under the age of 45. Now entering its 14th year, the conference delivers important educational tools that provide attendees with current and relevant information in easy-to-understand language. Throughout the conference, women and their supporters interact with experts in research, support and care, while surrounded by other women similarly affected by breast cancer.
"At C4YW, we empower women with knowledge to help them make informed decisions about concerns that are vastly different than those of post-menopausal survivors," explained Jean A. Sachs, MSS, MLSP, Chief Executive Officer of Living Beyond Breast Cancer. "Issues stem from keeping up in the workplace or school schedules, dealing with more aggressive cancers, fertility preservation, concern in intimate relationships, treatment-induced early menopause, living decades with the effects of treatment and fear of recurrence."
"In addition to providing educational workshops and focusing on presenting the latest medical information concerning young women and breast cancer, C4YW is an amazing opportunity for young women to come together and find joy, support and hope in each other's stories and strength," commented Jennifer Merschdorf, Chief Executive Officer of Young Survival Coalition. "As a young survivor myself, I am excited to join the anticipated 800 attendees, many of whom will come to Bellevue as strangers, but leave as lifelong friends."
Topics for this year's three plenary sessions are Young Women and Breast Cancer: the Future of Care featuring guest speaker Julie R. Gralow, MD, Professor, Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine Director; Taking It to the Streets: Breast Cancer Advocacy in Your Community presented by Susan Matsuko Shinagawa, Breast Cancer Survivor/Activist, Co-Founder & Past Chair, Asian & Pacific Islander National Cancer Survivors Network; and Going Green: Making Informed Choices co-hosted by Nancy Buermeyer, Senior Policy Strategist and Connie Engel, PhD, Science and Education Manager, Breast Cancer Fund. The conference's myriad of workshops will offer programming geared toward newly diagnosed women, long-term survivors, women living with metastatic disease, caregivers and partners, special populations, along with general-interest sessions.
For complete registration details, program agenda and information on host city Bellevue, please visit C4YW.org. Those without internet access can call 610-645-4567.
This conference is generously supported by lead sponsor Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Other supporters include presenting sponsors Avon Foundation for Women, title sponsor Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine and benefactor sponsors Amgen Oncology, Lilly, Oakley, Inc. and Varian Medical Systems.
₁ American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Facts and Figures, 2007-2008
₂ United States Cancer Statistics, 1999-2005 Mortality
About Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)
For twenty years, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) has been empowering women to live as long as possible with the best quality of life regardless of educational background, social support or financial means. Founded in 1991, LBBC has been committed to providing national educational programs and services that include an educational website, lbbc.org; a toll-free Survivors' Helpline, (888) 753-LBBC (5222); national conferences; free teleconferences; networking programs; quarterly newsletters; publications for medically underserved women; healthcare-provider trainings; recordings and the Paula A. Seidman Library and Resource Center. For more information, please visit: lbbc.org.
About Young Survival Coalition (YSC)
Established in 1998, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) was the first nonprofit organization to focus exclusively on the unique needs of young women affected by breast cancer. Founded by young survivors for young survivors, YSC began as a grassroots organization to advocate on behalf of all young women diagnosed with breast cancer to increase their quality and quantity of life. Based in New York City, with locations nationwide, YSC today provides comprehensive resources, support and education to address every phase of a young woman's breast cancer experience. YSC produces resources and educational materials such as the ResourceLink program, Newly Diagnosed Resource Kit (NDRK), Metastatic Navigator, Post-Treatment Navigator and is well-known for its three national Tour de Pink® bike rides. For more information, please visit: youngsurvival.org.
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