Find resources and donate at The Young Breast Cancer Project, www.youngbreastcancer.org (NOTE: Your petition-induced donations support Change.org, NOT The Young Breast Cancer Project)

In 2022, The Young Breast Cancer Project (YBCP) surveyed over 450 breast cancer survivors diagnosed under age 40 to evaluate the prevalence of delayed diagnoses in this population and survivors' understanding of concept known as "breast self-awareness."

Breast self-awareness (BSA), also known as breast health education, is now recommended in place of breast self-exams by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology and other prominent medical organizations. Despite the shift in guidance to BSA, 62% of respondents were not educated on breast health by physicians before their diagnosis.

Although 88% of young survivors detected their own breast abnormalities, many were dismissed or told they were "too young" for a cancer diagnosis. As a result, 70% were forced to go beyond notifying their medical providers to obtain a diagnosis. YBCP's study confirmed 36% of respondents experienced delays in treatment of over 8 weeks - delays of 6 weeks or more are associated with poorer 5-year survival rates.

The average-risk adolescent and young adult community - especially BIPOC individuals and non-binary folks - will continue to suffer delayed diagnoses and higher mortality rates without clearer guidelines and meaningful dialogue between healthcare providers and patients.

By signing this petition, you join the growing number of survivors, physicians, researchers, and allies who believe in breast health education and:

1) Guidelines instructing primary care providers (including pediatricians, family medicine doctors, and OB/GYNs) how and when to educate the AYA population on breast self-awareness;

2) Funding for breast self-awareness programming in high schools and institutions of higher learning; and

3) Reductions in mortality rates for the AYA breast cancer population.