Keep A Breasts founder Shaney jo Darden has been selected to be featured on TNT’s Dramatic Difference Movies, a theatrical showcase that shines a spotlight on individuals and groups who go above and beyond to touch the lives of others. Shaney Jo was chosen for this campaign for her work with the Keep A Breast Foundation educating young women about prevention and early detection of breast cancer though art and artistic expression.

The Keep A Breast Foundation would like to voice our concern about the recommendation of of the new U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s recommendations on screening mammography, clinical breast exam and self-examination. We believe this new recommendation will be taking a huge step back in progress towards educating younger generations on the risks of breast cancer. As the leading global youth based breast cancer prevention and awareness foundation, Keep A Breast seeks to increase breast cancer awareness among young people so they are better equipped to make choices and develop habits that will benefit their long-term health and well-being.

Although the incidence of breast cancer in young women is much lower than that of older women, young woman’s breast cancers are generally more aggressive, are diagnosed at a later stage, and result in lower survival rates. In fact, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in young women under the age of 40 with over 11,000 new cases of breast cancer being diagnosed in young people each year in the United States alone. Despite these facts, many young women mistakenly believe that breast cancer is only a problem for women over 40 years old,  as a result, diagnoses are delayed and young woman’s lives are cut short.

Keep A Breast is focused on breast cancer prevention and the education of young women on the importance of loving your body and treating it right. We encourage all young people to be familiar with the look and feel of their breasts. By knowing what feels normal, a young woman has a better chance of knowing when something feels different. We also educate women on  warning signs of breast cancer – we want them to know that it doesn’t only start with a lump. It can be swelling, a rash, breast pain, nipple pain, redness or scaliness too.

Because mammograms in younger women are found to be less effective due to dense breast tissue we do not recommend mammograms for women under 40. We do highly recommend being aware of your own personal risks, family history, and your body and working with your doctor to find screening  appropriate  for your risk level. There are many non-evasive FDA approved ways of screening for young women including thermography and clinical breast exams. Education on new screening approaches, how to access your risk level and more individualized recommendations are desperately needed, and by downplaying the need for breast health screening we feel the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has taken away from this progression.

Keep A Breast strongly recommends that women know and understand their bodies, and we believe that regular self screenings can and do save lives. We stand behind The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF), and other organizations who will continue to recommend breast self-exams as a detection method in conjunction with the advice of a qualified physician. Keep A Breast encourages you to never let anyone tell you that you are “too young for cancer”.

Check Your Self! Love Your Boobies, to download a Check Your Self Shower Card Click here!

Please come out to the Norma Jean Explosions Tour 2009 and show your support!  The band has invited KAB to join them on their Fall tour across the US.  Check out the dates on Norma Jeans website & head over to the show in your area!  See you on the road!

Denver Colorado!!! There is a Keep A Breast event coming up in your area next month!
Please go show your support by buying tickets for this show, purchase now and save!

“I am very excited that this show is happening in my hometown, I hope that all of you go and show your support, get gussied up and dance your little hearts out! ” Erica Leite – MFA & Youth Outreach Director

I Can Feel It In My Chest – Benefit show for The Keep A Breast Foundation
Featuring Speakeasy Tiger
Dec 22, 2009
The Walnut Room
3131 Walnut St
Denver, CO

Doors 7:30pm
$10 advance tickets, $15 at the door

Keep A Breast is up for a Stay Classy Award! Most Popular Cause Awareness Campaign by a Charity at StayClassy.org

Most Popular Cause Awareness Campaign is awarded to the non-profit organization whose awareness campaign has engaged the most people and raised the most eyebrows in the community. Lots of causes fly under the radar, but not this one. Whether it’s radio or T.V campaigns, viral videos, roadside banners or even word of mouth, the staff of this organization has gone to great lengths to make sure you go to bed thinking about the cause they champion.

Please go vote here!!!