Latest news with #PaulaSchneider
Forbes
4 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Breast Cancer In Young Women: How The Medical Community Can Help
Paula Schneider is President and CEO of Susan G. Komen, one of the world's leading breast cancer organizations. getty We've celebrated incredible triumphs in the fight against breast cancer. Breakthroughs in technology, precision therapies and heightened awareness have undeniably transformed outcomes and saved countless lives. Yet, there's a growing trend that can't be ignored: a disturbing rise in breast cancer diagnoses among young women. In fact, for women between the ages of 20 and 49, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Between 2012 and 2021, breast cancer incidence increased by 1.4% annually among women ages 20 to 49—a faster rise than in older age groups. Over 13,000 women 39 and under were diagnosed in 2024. Yet most people still associate breast cancer with women over 50. After all, the median age for a breast cancer diagnosis is 63, and screening guidelines for mammograms don't start until age 40. As a result, countless younger women don't realize they're high-risk and don't qualify for early screening, leading to later-stage diagnoses and lower survival rates. Every population faces unique challenges when it comes to breast cancer, and young women are no exception. Cancers in younger patients are often more aggressive. Treatment may impact fertility or family planning, and navigating a complex healthcare system while managing careers, families and finances adds even more pressure. And for young women of color or those in underserved communities, barriers to care are often even greater. We hear time and again from young women that when they approach their care teams with concerns about breast cancer, their concerns are brushed aside. It's our responsibility to rethink the status quo. Early detection saves lives—and that means starting with education and proactive conversations with young adult female patients as early as possible. The first step? Encourage them to dig into their family history. If there's a history of breast or ovarian cancer or a known BRCA gene mutation, individuals could benefit from genetic counseling and testing. These tools can provide powerful insight and guide decisions about screening and prevention. Even without a known family history, helping them understand their personal risk matters. Tools like the IBIS tool can help providers assess an individual's risk of developing breast cancer based on key factors—age, race and ethnicity, menstrual history, reproductive history, family history and previous biopsies. These risk assessments allow doctors to recommend a personalized screening plan, which might include mammograms before age 40 or supplemental imaging such as breast MRIs. After all, personalized medicine is still the ideal future state of healthcare. But it doesn't stop at risk. Young women need support navigating the unique emotional and physical toll of a diagnosis. They need answers, reassurance and someone in their corner. They need to know that it's okay to push for second opinions and to advocate for themselves to get the care they need. It's one reason why we're so committed to providing that same support at Susan G. Komen—whether through education, advocacy or our Patient Care Center. While we're working to educate people about their risk for breast cancer, there is a clear need for more and better research on the causes and unique circumstances of breast cancer in young women. We need researchers studying the causes for this uptick in diagnoses and how to best detect and treat these breast cancers. We are funding several researchers investigating the causes and burden of breast cancer in young women, including one of our chief scientific advisors, but we need more funding and the support of the research community to truly help understand this phenomenon. It's also important to recognize that not all young women have equal access to care. Many face systemic and financial hurdles—delays caused by insurance restrictions, lack of access to specialized care or limited availability of diagnostic imaging. Of course, this isn't limited to the younger population. In fact, despite all we've learned about breast cancer, today, only about 50% of women over 40 are getting their yearly mammograms. This is one reason awareness is still so important every October, even after all these years. It's also why we must continue to push for legislation that removes these barriers and makes screening and care accessible to everyone who needs it. Breast cancer doesn't care how old we are. It doesn't wait for life to settle down or for science to catch up. And while we can't always prevent a diagnosis, we can prepare young women to take control of their health through honest conversations, understanding risk, providing more personalized care and demanding equity in access. The rising rates of breast cancer among young women should serve as a wake-up call—not just for the medical community, but for all of us. Women deserve to be seen, heard and cared for, regardless of their age, race or zip code. Let's make sure they are. Forbes Nonprofit Council is an invitation-only organization for chief executives in successful nonprofit organizations. Do I qualify?
Business Wire
13-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Purpose in Action: Susan G. Komen's 2025 Impact Report on Progress and Urgent Needs in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen®, the world's leading breast cancer organization, today released its 2025 Annual Impact Report, highlighting a year of progress made possible by the dedication of its donors, volunteers and partners. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. and is the most common cancer among women worldwide. What's more, it's estimated that more than 168,000 people in the U.S. are living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as stage 4, the most advanced and incurable stage of breast cancer. This year alone, nearly 43,000 people in the U.S. are expected to die from breast cancer — with MBC responsible for most of these deaths. Komen's impact report highlights the critical progress made in the fight against breast cancer made possible by the passionate dedication of its donors, volunteers and partners — and the hope for a brighter future driven by its nationwide community. Komen believes that to save lives, the community must focus on conquering aggressive and metastatic breast cancers and eliminating barriers to care to achieve health equity. To achieve the organization's goals, to date, Komen has invested nearly $2.5 billion in advocacy, community programs, education and patient support services, ensuring people are educated about the complexities of risk, screening, diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer and have access to the care they need. Komen has also invested nearly $1.1 billion in research making it the largest nonprofit contributor to the cause, second only to the U.S. government. This investment has led to new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat breast cancer. 'Susan G. Komen's impact is woven into nearly every major breakthrough and patient-centered policy in the history of breast cancer, but we could never have come this far without the support of our community,' said Paula Schneider, Komen president and CEO. 'Our donors, volunteers, partners and fundraisers are the heart of our history and frankly, our future. Many come to Komen because they've been personally touched by this disease — and, as a breast cancer survivor, myself included. There is power in pain and hope alike, and the progress we've made is a testament to those who've turned their experience and grief into action.' Key Highlights from Komen's 2025 impact report include: Public Policy and Advocacy In 2024, Komen's Center for Public Policy introduced 41 bills in 34 states, with 16 signed into law, and played a key role in securing $329 million in federal and state funding for safety net screening programs through Komen's Center for Public Policy. Komen helped secure $47 billion in federal research funding, with 21 states introducing legislation focused on eliminating cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental imaging and 8 states introducing legislation on eliminating step therapy requirements for MBC patients. More than 900 meetings were held with policymakers and staff. Research Over the past 30 years, Komen research funding has contributed to 20 new breast cancer-fighting drugs. Last year, Komen's investment added 26 new products to the research pipeline and engaged 1,093 participants in Komen-led research efforts like ShareForCures ®. Patient Care Last year, 42,895 direct patient services were provided to 35,904 people in need, along with $7.5 million in financial assistance granted to 17,087 people. Since 2021 when our Patient Care Center was established, nearly 144,000 people have received services, including over $31.9 million in financial assistance provided. Education Over 2.9 million people were reached through Komen's educational programs in the last year, including through our extensive About Breast Cancer web resource and over 180 education events such as the virtual Breast Cancer Breakthroughs sessions After attending one of Komen's educational programs, 90% of survey respondents indicated they had an improved understanding of breast cancer and 61% of survey respondents indicated they will take action to improve their breast health. Health Equity The second virtual Komen Health Equity Revolution Summit galvanized 400+ attendees for impactful discussions and solutions with public health and patient advocacy leaders from American Society of Clinical Oncology, ZERO Prostate Cancer, LGBT Cancer Network and more. Komen Ambassadors including Emmy-winning journalist and breast cancer survivor Gaby Natale, the first Latina to win three consecutive Emmys and Miss Black USA Kennedy Lucas, a young advocate, were activated to amplify diverse breast cancer voices and inspire action through digital storytelling. Metastatic Breast Cancer Komen expanded its impact on the MBC community through its MBC Impact Series and Komen's new Inside MBC video, amplifying the lived emotional experience of an MBC diagnosis and reaching thousands of people with lifesaving and life-affirming information. With proposed federal budget cuts for Fiscal Year 2026 threatening to erode decades of progress in the fight against breast cancer, continued funding especially for early detection programs, safety net care services and research has never been more critical. If these cuts proceed, Susan G. Komen will continue to stand as the leading breast cancer organization in the nation — but without sustained government support, lifesaving breakthroughs may be delayed, early detection efforts will be reduced, and patients will be left behind with poor outcomes to follow. As Komen continues to lead the charge against breast cancer, the 2025 Impact Report serves as both a reflection of what's been achieved and a call to action for what still needs to be accomplished. Every advancement — whether in research, patient care, education or policy — is fueled by the commitment of those who stand with Komen. 'With continued support, we can build on these incredible milestones to ensure everyone affected by this disease has access to the high-quality care, resources and support they need to survive and thrive after breast cancer,' added Schneider. 'The fight is far from over — but together, we will finish it.' Read the full report online. About Susan G. Komen ® Susan G. Komen ® is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow's cures. Visit or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at
