1. Are there any benefits associated with this study?

We may learn about risk factors for young-onset breast cancer. Participants will be informed of webinars related to cancer and the environment. We may learn about factors influencing quality of life, psychosocial wellbeing, and survival. We also intend to develop intervention studies in the future which will be offered to young-onset breast cancer participants. In addition, other people at risk for or with breast cancer may benefit from the knowledge gained from this study.

2. Are there any risks associated with this study?

The known or expected risk associated with this study is that you may feel uncomfortable answering some of the questions on the questionnaire. However, this risk is rare and you can skip these questions. 

3. How much of my time will be needed to take part in this study?

After enrolling in YO MI-CARES, you will complete the enrollment questionnaire that takes about 1 hour. Then you will be asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire one year after your breast cancer diagnosis and then every year until 20 years after your diagnosis. In addition to the time above, we will also collect information from your medical records in years 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 after your breast cancer diagnosis.

4. When will my participation in the study be over?

Overall, the study is expected to continue for 20 years. 

5. What is being done to protect my data?

Your privacy is our priority. Your research information will be stored in a secure, encrypted electronic database and will not be made a part of your regular medical record. 

6. Once I have enrolled in the study, do I have the option to leave?

Your participation in YO MI-CARES is completely voluntary and you can withdraw at any point in the study! 

7. Will I be compensated for this study?

You will receive a $10 gift card after you complete the enrollment questionnaire as a small token of appreciation for participating in YO MI-CARES.

8. What are the purposes of this study?

The purposes of the study are (1) to understand the impacts of environmental exposures on the risk of developing breast cancer among young women, and (2) to understand how treatment and pre-/post-cancer lifestyle affect the quality of life and well-being among young breast cancer patients.  

9. What are your specific aims?

We have four specific aims for YO MI-CARES. 

1. To understand the impacts of environmental exposures on the risk of developing breast cancer among young women. 

2. To understand the impacts of environmental exposures on the differences in the risk of breast cancer among young women from different backgrounds such as race, geographic region (urban/rural), income, and education.  

3. To understand the treatment among young breast cancer patients, including the type of treatment and the outcomes among women receiving different treatments.  

4. To understand how the lifestyle before and after breast cancer diagnosis impacts the quality of life and well-being among young breast cancer survivors. 

10. I am not eligible for this study, how else can I participate?

If you are not eligible for this study, we still thank you for your interest in YO MI-CARES, and encourage you to check back on this webpage for future study opportunities.