Share your story about breast cancer

Empower and educate young women about breast cancer

About 11% of new breast cancer cases in the U.S. affect women under the age of 45, but many young women may not realize they are at risk for this disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is looking for women to share their stories about hereditary breast cancer, breast cancer risk, exploring their family history of cancer, and breast health for their new campaign, Bring Your Brave.

Please respond no later than May 15, 2015, if you are interested in being considered for the campaign and fit the following criteria.

CDC is looking for stories from women ages 18-44 who:

• ♦ Found a lump or abnormal change in their breast that turned out not to be breast cancer.
• ♦ Have a mother, sister, or first cousin who had breast cancer before the age of 50 and is BRCA+.
• ♦ Have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer.
• ♦ Have undergone genetic counseling and testing, and fit at least one of the following criteria:
  • ◊ Have had breast cancer and have a BRCA mutation.
  • ◊ Have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer and have a BRCA gene mutation.
  • ◊ Are of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and have a personal or family history of breast cancer and have a BRCA gene mutation.

CDC is also looking for stories from women of any age who:

• ♦ Have been diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50, have a BRCA mutation, AND have a daughter age 18 through 40. Both women must be willing to share their story about hereditary cancer, learning about family history, and having a BRCA mutation.

To be considered for this project women must:

• ♦ Not smoke or use illegal drugs.
• ♦ Have completed their cancer treatment (if applicable) at least one year ago.

Prospective cast members must be willing to:

• ♦ Share their stories publicly as part of a national campaign;
• ♦ Have their doctor complete a form about their medical history;
• ♦ Submit to a background check; and
• ♦ Participate in a video and/or photo shoot.

Help young women learn about breast cancer by sharing your story.

For more information or to participate, visit www.cdc.gov./BringYourBrave/casting or contact BYBRecruitment@cdc.gov or 202-729-4099.