A new resource to accelerate translational breast cancer research: The Love/Avon Army of Women.

Abstract

TPS115 Background: While many studies are done in cell lines and laboratory animals, translation of findings to women often falters due to perceived difficulty in recruiting women for research. The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation (DSLRF) partnered with the Avon Foundation to form the Love/Avon Army of women (AOW) to recruit one million women interested in participating in breast cancer research as a resource for translational research. Methods: Researchers interested in having the AOW recruit for their studies, submit a proposal to be reviewed by the AOW Scientific Advisory Committee. After acceptance, a mass e-mail describing the study procedures and inclusion/exclusion criteria is sent to the entire AOW database. Women sign up online at www.armyofwomen.org to become an AOW member, agreeing to receive AOW e-mails about research studies. If an individual responds as being interested and qualified, she undergoes a secondary screening online prior to her contact information passed on to the principal investigator. As of February 2010, over 327,000 women have joined including survivors, those who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as those with and without a family history of breast cancer, ranging from ages 18 to 100, representing all 50 US states and 47 countries. To date, the AOW has recruited for 20 studies, regional and national, varying from biomarker research to quality of life studies. The AOW diversity been key to enrolling African American women, lesbians, or young survivors. Many studies were closed to enrollment within the first 24 hours while others were very quickly over-enrolled by 5-10% proving that the AOW is both efficient and effective. This overwhelming response has led many researchers to seek additional funding to increase their statistical power 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. No significant financial relationships to disclose.