The Young Women's Breast Cancer Study

This is a longitudinal cohort study of young women with breast cancer. Over a 6-year period,
the investigators aim to identify over 1,600 women age 40 and younger with newly diagnosed
breast cancer from academic and community health care institutions. It is anticipated that
1,300 of these women will agree to participate in an observational study. Patient surveys,
medical record review, and blood and tissue collection will be utilized. Women will be
surveyed every 6 months for the first 3 years after diagnosis, then yearly thereafter for an
additional 7 years (for a total follow-up of 10 year following diagnosis). The study will
investigate short and long-term disease and treatment issues, and psychosocial concerns at
baseline and in follow-up among a cohort of young women (age 40 or younger) newly diagnosed
with breast cancer. The investigators aim to characterize the population of young women at
diagnosis and in follow-up regarding disease and psychosocial outcomes (e.g., presentation
and disease characteristics, treatment patterns and quality of care, short and long-term side
effects, and psychosocial concerns including fertility, sexual functioning, and menopausal
issues). The investigators will also collect tumor and blood specimens to characterize the
tumors, and bank for future studies including molecular evaluations of disease
characteristics, genetic variability and hormonal levels in blood. Ultimately, the
investigators aim to develop predictors of outcome, and identify areas that may be amenable
to intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Female

- Diagnosis of breast cancer

- Age 40 or younger at diagnosis

- Informed consent obtained from patient

- Ability to understand written and spoken English to the extent necessary to complete
the questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

- Inability to understand written and spoken English to the extent necessary to complete
the questionnaires

- Absence of informed consent