Know your breast cancer risk. Take the Right Action

ABOUT US

Right Action for Women: A Christina Applegate Foundation was established by award-winning actress Christina Applegate, in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. In 2008, after receiving her breast cancer diagnosis, Applegate created the foundation to educate women about what it means to be at "high risk" for breast cancer and encourage them to talk to their doctors about appropriate screening. Right Action for Women will provide aid to individuals who are at increased risk for breast cancer and do not have insurance or the financial flexibility to cover the high costs associated with breast screenings.

To make the Right Action for Women program a reality, Christina partnered with the Cancer Support Community to bring together thought-leaders in the field of genetics, oncology, psychology, nutrition, legal aid, advocacy and patient financial assistance to lend their expertise and advice on online education, financial assistance and advocacy. This group became Right Action for Women's Advisory Council.

A message from Christina Applegate:

Today, more than 250,000 women under the age of 40 in the U.S. are breast cancer survivors, and I am lucky to be one of them. Recently, I underwent genetic testing and learned I have a mutation in the BRCA 1 gene, making me more susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer. My mother is also a breast cancer survivor. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer on either side of a family (Mother's or Father's side) can put someone at higher risk for developing the disease. Because of this, my doctor ordered a variety of screening tests which try to detect cancer in its earliest stages (when it is most treatable). One of these tests was a breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and it saved my life.

MRI is one of the breast screening tests recommended by the American Cancer Society for women at increased risk for breast cancer (MRI is not recommended as a screening tool for women at average risk for breast cancer). Unfortunately though, this service is not always covered by insurance and many women across the country cannot afford the high costs of a breast MRI. I hope through the creation of Right Action for Women we can provide aid to those individuals who are at increased risk for breast cancer and do not have insurance or the financial flexibility to cover the high costs associated with breast screenings.

During my recent doctors' visits, I gained an appreciation for the tremendous expense associated with breast cancer screening and treatment. The reality is that unfortunately many women aren't undergoing genetic testing or having screenings because of financial burden or insurance limitations. As a survivor, I am committed to helping women access the information and tests they need to beat this disease.

I encourage you to read through the information provided on these pages and visit the resource center which provides you with links to important websites. Educate yourself, know your family history and talk to your doctor about your risk for cancer at your next clinical exam.

Please join me and Right Action for Women. Together we can help give all women a chance to beat this disease.

Sincerely,Christina Applegate