Beth Sanders Moore Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program
The Beth Sanders Moore Young Breast Cancer Survivors' Program is an effort to provide clinical support, research and educational resources for the nearly 28,000 American women under the age of 45 who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. The program was created in January 2005 at a surprise celebration of the 50th birthday of breast cancer survivor Beth Sanders Moore, in tribute to her courage in fighting the disease and longstanding efforts to educate others.
Moore, along with many young breast cancer survivors, was diagnosed at M. D. Anderson's Undiagnosed Breast Clinic. In recognition of that fact, the clinic was renamed the Beth Sanders Moore Undiagnosed Breast Clinic in January 2005.
The Young Breast Cancer Survivors' Program is under the direction of P.K. Morrow, M.D., assistant professor of breast medical oncology, who treats young breast cancer patients, including some who are pregnant. After identifying specific challenges faced by young patients, the program will develop education and research initiatives to address each need. Program goals include:
Supporting research programs that focus on fertility and pregnancy issues among breast cancer survivors before, during and after cancer treatment, and collecting data on children exposed to chemotherapy in utero and those born after treatment.
Developing an educational program that addresses the needs of young breast cancer survivors and provides access to educational materials presented in a variety of innovative methods.
Sponsoring an annual presentation to educate healthcare providers on the needs of breast cancer survivors under the age of 45.
Educating nurses, medical students, residents and fellows through a clinic, pertinent literature and a weekly survivor seminar series.
This program will collaborate with the Anderson Network and M. D. Anderson volunteers in the Pink Ribbon Program. These groups, which include former M. D. Anderson patients and breast cancer survivors, will work in partnership with various components of the program.