Arin Ahlum Hanson, MPH, CHES, manager, Young Women’s Initiative, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, discusses the results of a national needs assessment of young women with breast cancer that was conducted by the Young Women’s Initiative.

The needs assessment conducted interviews, environmental scan, and analysis of national programs that are offering services and focus groups with young women with breast cancer. A national survey, consisting of 85 questions, was launched online and received over 500 responses, Hanson says.

The initial data showed significant differences between women with early stage breast cancer and those with metastatic breast cancer. A secondary analysis showed that young women living with metastatic breast cancer experience a greater financial impact than women with early stage breast cancer.

Hanson says young women with metastatic breast cancer also reported significant side effects such as fatigue, memory loss, weight issues, anxiety, and depression. Young women with metastatic breast cancer also reported a need for medical information.

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Arin Ahlum Hanson, MPH, CHES, manager, Young Women's Initiative, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, discusses the results of a national needs assessment of young women with breast cancer that was conducted by the Young Women's Initiative.

Arin Hanson Discusses the Results of a National Needs Assessment of Young Women with Breast Cancer

Arin Ahlum Hanson, MPH, CHES, manager, Young Women’s Initiative, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, discusses the unique needs of young women who are affected by breast cancer.

Hanson says that as breast cancer occurs less often in younger women, it is often a shock to the patient. Often, peer support around young women with breast cancer is not the same as the peer support surrounding older women with breast cancer. Peer groups for younger women are not used to dealing with this kind of traumatic news, Hanson says.

There are also differences medically. Hanson says fertility is a key issue for younger women. Because chemotherapy can affect fertility, many women must decide immediately if they want to have children in the future. Hanson also mentioned that fertility preservation can cost up to $10,000 and is seldom covered by health insurance.

Because breast cancer in younger women is also more aggressive, these young women are often facing an increased risk of symptoms and side effects, Hanson says.

Arin Ahlum Hanson, MPH, CHES, manager, Young Women's Initiative, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, discusses the unique needs of young women who are affected by breast cancer.

Arin Ahlum Hanson, MPH, CHES

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Arin Hanson Discusses the Results of a National Needs Assessment of Young Women with Breast Cancer

Arin Hanson Discusses the Unique Needs of Young Women with Breast Cancer