Abstract
Background: It is well established that there is a need for more research into the cause and prevention of breast cancer. While many studies are done in cell lines and laboratory animals, translation of findings to a diverse population of women often falters due to perceived difficulty in recruiting diverse women for research. The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation received a grant from the Avon Foundation to form the Love/Avon Army of Women (AOW); an online recruitment resource designed to partner a diverse group of women with the research community in an effort to accelerate breast cancer research.
Methods: The AOW was launched in 2008 with the goal of recruiting one million diverse women interested in participating in breast cancer research. Researchers submit research proposals to be reviewed by the AOW Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of nominees from AACR and NBCC. If a study is accepted, a mass e-mail describing the study procedures and inclusion/exclusion criteria is sent to the entire AOW database. Women sign up on-line at www.armyofwomen.org to join the AOW. Women aren't committing to participating in a particular study, but agree to receive AOW e-mails about breast cancer research studies. If the individual is interested and qualifies for a study, she undergoes a secondary on-line screening and then her contact information is passed on to the principal investigator.
Results: As of July 2010, over 335,000 women have signed up. Almost 10% of the membership is racial/ethnic minorities, including African American, Hispanic/Latina, Asian, and Native American. African Americans and Latinas have the highest representation, with more than 10,500 members of each ethnicity. Membership includes survivors and those who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer, ranging from ages 18 to 100, representing all 50 US states and 47 countries. To date, the AOW has recruited for 31 studies. The diversity of the AOW members has proved beneficial for many studies, such as those needing to enroll Latina women, African American women, and women of varying sexual orientations. These studies are important steps in addressing the distinct needs of racial/ethnic minorities and the medically underserved. Many studies were closed to enrollment within the first 48 hours after accruing all subjects while others were very quickly over-enrolled by 5-10%. This overwhelming response has led many researchers to seek additional funding to increase their statistical significance and accommodate all eligible subjects.
Conclusions: The Love/Avon Army of Women is a novel resource for scientists to accelerate accrual, expand the number and diversity of their subject population and to obtain exactly the type of specimens they need when they need it. This new partnership between women and scientists can revolutionize research and accelerate efforts to eradicate breast cancer.
Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A101.
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