Abstract B51: A new resource to accelerate research into the cause and prevention of breast cancer: The Love/Avon Army of Women
Authors: Love Susan , Wilcox Leah 
Published: June 2012

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 women often falters due to perceived difficulty in recruiting women for research. The DSLRF partnered with The Avon Foundation for Women to form the Love/Avon Army of Women (AOW): an online recruitment resource designed to partner women with the research community in an effort to accelerate breast cancer research.

Methods: The AOW was launched in October 2008 with the goal of recruiting 1 million women interested in participating in breast cancer research and of encouraging researchers to submit studies for recruitment. Researchers interested in having the AOW recruit for their studies submit a proposal that will 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 online at www.armyofwomen.org to become an AOW member. Women are not 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 online screening and then her contact information is passed on to the principal investigator to begin the enrollment process.

Results: As of April 2010, over 329,000 women have become AOW members. Membership includes 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 age 18 to 100, representing all 50 U. S. states and 47 countries. To date, the AOW has recruited for 26 studies, both regional and national, that vary from biomarker and circadian rhythm research to psychosocial and quality-of-life studies. With over 38,000 AOW members having participated in the research process, this method of recruitment has been found to be effective and efficient. The diversity of the AOW members has proved beneficial for many studies such as those needing to enroll African-American women, women of varying sexual orientations, or young survivors.

Many studies closed enrollment within the first 24 hours after accruing all subjects while others were very quickly overenrolled by 5% to 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: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(14 Suppl):B51.