YSC Unveils #12Ktoomany Initiative

September 30, 2016
Jaci Fletcher, Senior Communications Manager
646.257.3012
[email protected]

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Campaign to Drive Change for 12,000 Women Under 40 Diagnosed Each Year in U.S.

New York, New York, (September 30, 2016) — Young Survival Coalition’s (YSC) #12Ktoomany initiative aims to generate more awareness of breast cancer in young women and to drive real change for the 12,000 young women who will be diagnosed in the United States this year.

For young women diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those living with metastatic (or stage IV) disease, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a constant reminder of their disease and a sea of pink in which they may feel invisible. And this affects more women than you might think. Worldwide, breast cancer is officially an epidemic, growing annually by 3.1%. Young women make up more than 33% of global diagnoses, and women of reproductive age are dying from breast cancer at an annual increase of 1.8% per year. In the United States, more than 12,000 women under 40 will be diagnosed this year and there are more than 250,000 breast cancer survivors living in the U.S. who were diagnosed at age 40 or younger.

Starting tomorrow, YSC’s #12Ktoomany initiative includes a petition to educate the public about breast cancer in young women, and to drive the medical and research communities to focus more research on women under 40 to ensure that young women stop dying from this disease. The goal is to collect 12,000 signatures to represent the 12,000 young women who will be diagnosed. In January, YSC will present the #12Ktoomany petition to the new President of the United States.

YSC also partnered with renowned photographer, Spencer Kohn, on a photo series featuring 12 breast cancer survivors who confront their struggles and their outlook on life. Zach Jopling, a Brooklyn-based DP and editor, captured the stories and experiences of these breast cancer survivor models, featured in a powerful video. The photos, quotes from each survivor models and the video will be highlighted throughout October across YSC’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

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About Young Survival Coalition (YSC)®

Established in 1998, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier organization dedicated to young women with breast cancer. Founded by three young survivors, YSC began as a grassroots organization to advocate on behalf of all young women diagnosed with breast cancer to increase their length and quality of life. Based in New York City, with networks nationwide, YSC provides free resources, connections and educational materials so young women with breast cancer feel supported, empowered and hopeful. YSC seeks to educate and influence the medical, research and legislative communities to address breast cancer in young women, and to ensure that no young woman faces breast cancer alone. For more information, visit youngsurvival.org.