There are significant racial disparities in breast cancer survival among younger women: the mortality rate for African-American women under the age of 45 is double that of similarly aged Caucasian women. African-American women are diagnosed with tumors that are more advanced at presentation, characterized by higher grade, and poorly differentiated, and these patients face a greater likelihood of having a triple-negative breast cancer. Although there are myriad research questions related to early detections, treatments, and how best to support survivors, young African-American women remain underrepresented in research and clinical trials. This gap highlights the strong need to establish dialogue among survivors, providers, and researchers.

During the 12-month Tier I project period, we will build a partnership team of (1) African-American women who were diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 45, (2) caregivers/family members, (3) representatives from patient advocacy groups and insurers, (4) healthcare providers, and (5) researchers.

Specific tasks include the following:

1. Team building (months 1–3)
2. Identifying, through a series of focus groups, priority issues, specific needs, and barriers in the breast cancer continuum of care from patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives (months 4 – 11)
3. Co-hosting with the Cancer Center at Froedtert Hospital & the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee School of Public Health a conference to discuss, address, and prioritize research areas of greatest importance (month 12)

Throughout the Tier I project, our team will build a patient-centered outcomes research and comparative effectiveness research agenda in anticipation of submitting a Tier II application to answer a patient-selected research question.