As you know, I am a huge advocate for young adult cancer. Prevention and early detection is key to reducing mortality rates in young adults, especially when it comes to breast cancer, which is often more aggressive in young women than in older women.

I join the ranks of individuals and institutions such as Dr. Susan Love, the Center for Disease Control, and the National Breast Cancer Coalition, who believe that we need to conduct further research before we can best know how to safely educate and administer early detection in young women. I too believe that the EARLY ACT, while it has an extremely good intentions, may cause more harm than good. I therefore do not support the EARLY ACT. I encourage all breast cancer advocates to read about both sides of the debate. Here is a great link that can tell you more about the cautionary sides of the EARLY ACT:

http://www.stopbreastcancer.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=944&Itemid=179

I do hope that Congress will allocate $45 million to the issue of young women and breast cancer. I just hope that it is allocated through a more sensible bill than Wasserman’s. As we have seen with the debate over the recent guidelines, it is important that we use scientific research and evidence to guide our decision making, rather than simply relaying on our individual personal experiences and our very heartfelt desire to do good.

Thanks for covering this issue and opening the door for good conversation. It is encouraging to see the young adult community beginning to rally around legislative issues.

Best,

Kairol