(NAPSA)—Women from the ages of 18 to 50 are the most active group of adult Internet and social media users. And even though women in this age groupareless likely to get breast can- cer than older women, it does happen. Now, three southern states are making sure these women havereliable online resources. Several online programsoffer young Tailoredto the Territory womenvital information about dealThe program could be lifesaving ing with breast cancer. throughout the country. African-Amer- ican womenare more likely to be diag- more than 2,000 followers statewide. ‘The decision was easy from there:It was nosed with breast cancer younger, and morelikely to get a type of breast cancer that growsquickly andis hardtotreat. Louisiana—especially the southern part ofthe state—hasa large African-American population. timeto govirtual. All of Louisiana could be reached with the planned website. But why stop there? LCP also got in touch with cancer control programs in otherstates. Control Programs (LCP), says she was SurviveAL. Dr. Donna Williams, director of the Louisiana Cancer Prevention and surprised to see the number of women under50in the area with breast cancer. Manyofthese cancers were found Right away, Mississippi and Alabama signed on, creating SurviveMISS and The goal of the “Gulf States Net- work” wasto reach 7,000 users online through a program started by LCP and in thefirst year.It took only 90 daysto exceed that. two mobile vans carrying equipmentto ‘A single small team manages the local partners. The program sponsors give mammograms, the recommended screening test for breast cancer. Still, diagnosis is just the beginning of the breast cancer journey. Raising Awareness LCP searched for breast cancer Information Machine websites. Each site has the same look and basic structure and facts. Individual states can add regional information such as meeting dates and support group contacts separately. Allthe websites share resources such resources for young womenonthe Gulf as expert advice, survivor videos and Coast, but found only a handful. Practi- frequently asked questions. Many concally noneof themtalked aboutfertility, ferences andotherlive events are also early menopause or discussing cancer recordedorstreamedlive online. with kids—problemsmost older women with breast cancer don't face. So, with a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), LCPstarted a series of work- shops just for younger women with breast cancer. It held meetingsall over southern Louisiana and set up a Facebook account. LCP called the project “Survive- DAT”after the rallying cry ofNew Orle- ansSaints football fans: “WHO DAT!” GoingRegional, GoingViral When LCPapplied for another CDC grant forthe successful program,it had Lookingto the Future Dr. Williamsandher partners want the project to keep growing. Already, cancer control programs in Arkansas and Florida have expressedinterest. Andthere are moreissuesto discuss. Womenoften have concerns aboutfertility, a good reasonto talk to a doctor before beginning cancer treatment. Manyareinterested in genetic coun- seling, or speaking with a professional before genetic testing aboutpossible test results and whatthey could mean. Learn More CDC has a nationwide campaign a big choice: keep SurviveDATlive or about breast cancer in young women workshops drew only about 20 people aboutyour risk and steps you cantake, gototally online. While the in-person at a time,the Facebook page hadgained called Bring Your Brave. To find out visit www.cde.gov/BringYourBrave.
