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Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act “The EARLY Act” – H.R. 1740

Section by Section Summary

Section 1 – Short Title

Section 2(a) - Public Education Campaign: Directs the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct a national education campaign to increase awareness among young women under the age of 40 of the threats posed by breast cancer, proactive steps women can take to reduce risks of developing breast cancer, and early detection techniques that lead to early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The campaign will be developed in consultation with an advisory committee of expert organizations and individuals.

Authorized activities to carry out the public education campaign include: Public announcements and distribution of written and web-based materials targeted towards young women generally; secondary and university outreach in cooperation with state agencies; outreach to specific higher-risk populations; specific educational materials that can be distributed to young women, physicians, and other appropriate health care professionals related to risk factors, early detection techniques, treatment options, and support counseling for the specific life challenges faced by young women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The CDC is also directed to establish a national multimedia campaign through grants to entities that encourage young women to take proactive steps to promote early detection, reduce risk of developing breast cancer through healthier lifestyles, and encourage young women of specific high-risk populations to seek out counseling on risks and the availability of genetic testing accompanied by genetic counseling.

Section 2(b) - Health Care Professional Education Campaign: Directs the CDC to conduct an educational campaign targeted towards healthcare professionals to increase awareness of the distinct risk factors, risk reduction strategies, early diagnosis techniques, and treatment practices for women under the age of 40. The education campaign includes creating materials to assist health care professionals in helping young women address the long-term effects and life challenges caused by the disease, including infertility issues, neuro-cognitive effects, and secondary or recurring malignancies.

Section 2(c) - Prevention Research Activities - directs the CDC to conduct prevention research activities.

Section 2(d) - Support for Young Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to organizations to support young women diagnosed with breast cancer and help them get the assistance they need, including social and psychological support, fertility counseling and recurrence prevention training.

Section 2(e) - Requires No Duplication of Effort

Section 2(f) - Requires report to Congress on Progress of Campaign

Section 2(g) - Definitions section

Section 2(h) - Authorization of Appropriations - $9 million per year for each of next five years.