CDC awards $2.3M research grant for young patients with breast cancer
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The CDC has awarded Weill Cornell Medicine a 5-year, $2.3 million grant to advance equitable access to care for young patients with breast cancer.
The initiative — led by Vered Stearns, MD, professor of medicine, and Tessa Cigler, MD, MPH, associate professor of clinical medicine, both in the division of hematology and oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine — will include a focus on racially, ethnically and socio-economically diverse young breast cancer survivors across New York City in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, according to a press release, with the aim of reducing symptom burden, increasing adherence to treatment and follow-up care, and improving survival outcomes.
“Young women with breast cancer often present with tumors that are biologically more aggressive,” Cigler said in the release. “These patients have a set of unique needs and can certainly benefit from improved care coordination and support services.”
Researchers will develop educational tools that detail what to expect during breast cancer treatment, as well as individualized resource pages and referral lists, and additionally increase in-person learning opportunities for patients and their families.
Moreover, researchers will work to find opportunities to improve upon patients’ physical and mental health, such as fertility preservation. They will also work to identify patterns to help inform policy recommendations, including the use of integrative medicine techniques, such as acupuncture, that have been shown to decrease breast cancer symptoms.
“We know from smaller studies or individual reports that some integrative medicine activities can help patients feel better and get healthier, but not every insurance company covers those potential interventions,” Stearns said in the release.
Further, the initiative will include mobilization of community health workers and patient navigators for outreach in communities, and there will be collaboration with other academic institutions and the New York State Comprehensive Cancer Coalition.
“Breast cancer, which is a life-changing diagnosis for anyone, has particular implications for young women,” Cigler said. “This grant is an incredible opportunity to improve access and care coordination for the growing population of young women with breast cancer in New York City.”
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