In the mid 1970s, women began coming together for support following a breast cancer diagnosis. The breast cancer movement grew out of these emotional support groups as women with breast cancer began to organize to get attention paid to the disease that was affecting increasing numbers of women.
By the early 1990s, there was more than one national breast cancer organization, and coalition efforts to increase research funding had met with considerable success. Women with breast cancer now participate in the decision-making process for research funding.
However, grassroots activists have begun to raise questions about the nature and direction of research, and about the failure of the movement to reflect the diversity of women diagnosed with and at risk of the disease. These issues bring into clearer focus differences among breast cancer organizations that will determine the future direction and impact of the breast cancer movement.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to recognize the features of the development of the breast cancer advocacy movement and the consequences of its advances for women with breast cancer
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Advocacy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.