CDC appoints Partridge chair of the Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has invited 15 individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, a federal advisory committee established by the Affordable Care Act, subject to prescribed appointment procedures.

The new law charges CDC with the responsibility of developing initiatives to increase knowledge of breast health and breast cancer among women, particularly among those under the age of 40 and those at heightened risk for developing the disease.

It also appointed Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as chair of the panel.

"The Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women will consist of external experts and stakeholders who will assist CDC in developing evidence-based approaches to advance understanding and awareness of breast cancer among young women," said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.

"From prevention research, to education for health professionals, to designing and promoting awareness activities for the public, we look forward to working with the Committee to educate providers, patients and young women about breast cancer prevention and treatments."

Partridge, who is clinical director of the Breast Oncology Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, founded and directs the Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center to address the unique needs of women in their early 40s and younger.