SurviveDAT young breast cancer survivor website launches

Targets Young Breast Cancer Survivors Between Ages 18 and

  (Baton Rouge, La.) Young breast cancer survivors between the ages of 18 and 44 and their caregivers now have a new online resource focused on their unique needs. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and LSU Health Sciences Center School of Public Health recently launched a new website, SurviveDAT (www.survivedat.org), which provides access to local and national support groups, health information and more. “It can sometimes be difficult for young breast cancer patients to find resources that are specific to their needs,” said Mary Kathryn Rodrigue, director of survivorship for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “We hope that SurviveDAT will become their go-to place to find answers to their many questions and concerns.” SurviveDAT is the result of a Young Breast Cancer Survivorship Grant awarded to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and LSU Health Sciences Center School of Public Health last year by the Centers for Disease Control. Rodrigue said SurviveDAT is an important effort, especially since Louisiana’s breast cancer death rates are among the highest in the nation. The state’s high mortality rates are due to a lack of access to care, delayed diagnosis and treatment, limited educational awareness and low utilization of preventative services. SurviveDAT aims to give visitors access to local and national resources that can aid in awareness, prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Topics covered on the site include genetics, career concerns, dating and body image issues, emotional needs and more. Special workshops on these subjects will be held quarterly starting in 2013. “Young breast cancer survivors have needs which can differ substantially from those of older women with breast cancer,” said Donna Williams, assistant professor at LSU Health Sciences Center School of Public Health and director of the Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Program. “It’s vitally important that we respond to these needs and assist these women, their families, and their caregivers in the cancer journey.” The SurviveDAT website is now active, but will be officially launched at a kickoff event at Perkins Rowe on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Held in conjunction with Rock ‘N’ Rowe, the band United We Jam will perform and the SurviveDAT information booth will feature cancer prevention information and resources, giveaways and entertainment for the kids. A short program starts at 7 p.m. Survivors and caregivers are encouraged to bring an object to the event that symbolizes their cancer journey. Artist Benajmin Bullins will incorporate these objects into an art piece that will serve as a symbol of hope at future SurviveDAT events. For more information on the event or SurviveDAT, visit www.survivedat.org.