• Natasha Buchanan, Katherine B Roland, Juan L Rodriguez, Jacqueline W Miller, and Temeika Fairley.
• Epidemiology and Applied Research Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. nbuchanan@cdc.gov
• J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2013 Apr 1; 22 (4): 293-8.

BackgroundApproximately 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.MethodsIn 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.ResultsLevels 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.ConclusionCommunity 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.

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