FORCE-FACING OUR RISK OF CANCER EMPOWERED

Programs: Cancer advocacy and peer to peer support programs. Advocacy and support provide opportunities for people to become involved with cancer-related issues and to contribute time and energy to help the public and those suffering or at risk of suffering from hereditary cancers. Advocacy can involve passing out flyers at an event, giving a talk, serving on advisory committees, supporting research studies, or writing an article about bcra or cancer. In this light, force runs the largest volunteer support network for the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer community (hboc) to ensure no one has to travel the hboc journey alone. In 2014 over 250 trained volunteers supported thousand of their fellow constituents nationwide through six volunteer roles including peer support group leaders, community liaisons, helpline volunteers, message board moderators, force research advocates, and project volunteers.

joining forces conference. Joining forces against hereditary cancer is the largest conference designed by and for people and families affected by hereditary cancer or a brca mutation. The conference presented a wide range of topics and the latest research on these cancers. Our 2014 program was held in partnership with penn medicine's basser research center for brca. The conference provided participants opportunities to enroll in research, including basser-funded studies. Attendees included people concerned about hereditary cancer: survivors, previvors, people with a brca mutation or family history of cancer, patient advocates, researchers, and health care providers who treat high-risk patients.

force has collaborated with researchers at the university of south florida and the michigan department of community health to form the about patient-powered research network (pprn). The goal of the about network is to build a research registry to conduct patient-centered outcomes research in order to improve informed decision making and health outcomes for people affected by hereditary breast, ovarian and related cancers. Unlike traditional research that involves patients only as research participants, about will involve consumer participation in every aspect of the network including governance and prioritization and design of the research studies. We plan to enroll 10,000 people, build a network governance structure that includes patients and advocates, and compile and refine people's realworld experiences to shape and prioritize the important research questions.