The Not Too Young Walk
Every Step Tells a Story
Join the Young Breast Cancer Project for The Not Too Young Walk, a virtual walk you can do from anywhere: your neighborhood, a local trail, a treadmill, or alongside friends and family. From [dates], walk [distance or goal] wherever you are, share your steps with #NotTooYoung, and help us raise awareness so young women can catch breast cancer early.
Every dollar from your registration fee is donated to the Young Breast Cancer Project, supporting breast health education, survivor storytelling, and research that pushes for earlier diagnosis in young women.
How it works
- Register at [link]. Your registration fee is your donation to YBCP.
- Walk your miles anytime during the event window, solo or with a team.
- Share a photo or your story on Instagram and tag @youngbcorg with #NotTooYoung.
- Invite friends and family to register and walk with you.
Why We Walk
Because young women are told they're "too young." Many young women are turned away by their physicians, told they're too young or not high risk, and their diagnoses are delayed as a result. Nearly half of our survey participants had a delayed diagnosis because a medical provider did not order imaging or biopsies after evaluating them.
Because young women have to find it themselves. Young women at average risk are too young for mammograms, so they must rely on self-detection. Yet 62% of young survivors don't feel a physician educated them on breast health before their diagnosis, and our research suggests 54% of young survivors have never heard of breast self-awareness.
Because the stakes are higher. The average adolescent and young adult breast cancer patient is diagnosed at a later stage and has a higher mortality rate than patients 40 and older, and mortality is even higher among young BIPOC and non-binary people.
Because stories save lives. We amplify survivor stories to educate all women and people with breasts about breast health, and we bring our community-based research to the medical community to advocate for earlier diagnosis. Every mile you walk carries that message further.
Know the Signs
Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel so you can spot changes early. Tell your health care provider if you notice:
- A lump or mass, even one that feels tender
- Breast pain or aching that doesn't go away
- New nipple discharge
- Redness or swelling of the breast
- Crusting or skin changes on the nipple
Our survivors' stories show how easily these signs get dismissed. One OB/GYN was reassured because a lump felt tender and didn't order diagnostics. One survivor, Di, was told she had mastitis when she actually had Stage IV inflammatory breast cancer. Another, Maricia, was told her nipple crust was dermatitis, delaying her diagnosis by seven months. Miros was told her aching breast was nothing.
Most breast changes aren't cancer, but any change deserves to be checked. If something feels off, speak up, and if you're dismissed, ask for imaging or a second opinion. You are not too young.
Walk With Us
Every registration is a donation to the Young Breast Cancer Project, supporting breast health education, survivor storytelling, and research that pushes for earlier diagnosis. Register, walk, and share your story at [link].
The Young Breast Cancer Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Chula Vista, CA. EIN 84-3061556.
