Fifteen individuals with specialized knowledge, training and experience in breast cancer – clinicians, advocates, scientists and breast cancer survivors – many from centers of excellence around the USA have been invited to serve on the Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women (The Committee). The setting up of The Committee is a requirement of the Affordable Care Act, which instructed the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to develop initiatives and drives to enhance breast cancer knowledge and health among women in general, and especially younger women up to the age of 40 years.
CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., said:
The Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women will consist of external experts and stakeholders who will assist CDC in developing evidence-based approaches to advance understanding and awareness of breast cancer among young women. From prevention research, to education for health professionals, to designing and promoting awareness activities for the public, we look forward to working with the Committee to educate providers, patients and young women about breast cancer prevention and treatments.
The following individuals have been invited to join The Committee:
- Chair: Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School – Assistant Professor of Medicine
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute – Clinical Director of Breast Oncology
Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center – Founder and Director - Otis Webb Brawley, MD
A practicing oncologist (specialized cancer doctor)
American Cancer Society – Chief Medical Officer
Emory University – Professor of Hematology and Oncology and Epidemiology at Emory University
Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta – Medical Director
Emory University, Winship Cancer Institute – Deputy Director - Melissa Watson, BA
Breast cancer survivor from Des Moines, Iowa
Former Chief of Staff to Senate Leader Mike Gronstal
Barret Corporation – Former President and owner
Montessori Children’s House – Board Member - Generosa Grana, MD
Cooper Cancer Institute – Director
Cooper University Hospital – Head of hematology/medical oncology division
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School – Associate Professor
Breast Health Task Force of the American Cancer Society New Jersey Division – Vice Chair
New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research – Member of advisory group
Practicing doctor, focusing on community education and breast cancer research, cancer and genetics and cancer prevention. - Brandin Hayes-Lattin, MD
Knight Cancer Institute Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at Oregon Health and Science University – Medical Director
A leader in developing the new discipline of adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology.
Lance Armstrong Foundation’s LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance – First medical co-chair
National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Progress Review Group – Member - Maimah Karmo
Tigerlily Foundation – Founder and President; created after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 years of age. The foundation helps women who are undergoing breast cancer treatment. - Karen Kelly-Thomas, PhD, RN, CAE, FAAN
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners – CEO. The association has nearly 7,500 members. - Lisa A. Newman, MD, MPH, FACS
A surgical oncologist (specialist cancer surgeon)
The Breast Care Center for the University of Michigan – Associate Prof. of Surgery and Director
MD Anderson Cancer Center – Former Assistant Prof. of Surgery
Walt Comprehensive Breast Center at Wayne State University – Former Associate Director - Mavis Nitta, MPH, CHES
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum in San Francisco – Chronic Disease Program Coordinator
Has worked on cancer awareness and education initiatives with a variety of stakeholders including community-based organizations, public health departments, unions and cancer survivors. - Jewel Mullen, MD, MPH, MPA
Bureau of Community Health Access and Promotion at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Director - Rochelle Shoretz, JD
Sharsheret (dedicated to the unique concerns of Jewish women with breast cancer) – Executive Director and Founder
A two-time breast cancer survivor - Joy Simha
Young Survival Coalition – Representative
National Breast Cancer Coalition – Board of Directors. A Project LEAD® graduate.
The Cochrane Collaboration’s Child Health Field – Member of the Advisory Board
Consumer Coalition of the Cochrane Collaboration. – Member of the Advisory Board
A breast cancer survivor - Jeanne L. Steiner, DO
Yale University School of Medicine – Associate Professor
Connecticut Mental Health Center – Medical Director - Wendy Susswein
Strathmore Hall Foundation in Montgomery County, Maryland – Member of the Board of Directors
Arlington Health Foundation – Former Program Officer and Director of Philanthropic Outreach
Council on Foundations – has had several positions - Donald Warne, MD
Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board – Medical Director
Board of the Native American Community Health Center, Inc – Former President
American Indian Health Management & Policy, Inc. – Former President and CEO
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Written by Christian Nordqvist