Support group set up specifically for young breast cancer patients

SEATTLE -- They all suffer the same feeling -- the stab of a life-threatening diagnosis, losing their hair during chemotherapy and living with the fear of cancer coming back. But in Snohomish County, women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 30s and 40s didn't have a place to turn for support until now.

A breast cancer support group created specifically for younger women was launched at Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in June, the Everett Herald reported.

At the group's meetings in Everett, women have a place to share their stories and struggles with other cancer patients.

"You realize how many younger women there are going through the same thing you're going through," Jeanna Petzoldt told the Herald.

Young women account for a small percentage of all breast cancer cases, but the impact is still significant. This year, more than 13,000 women under 40 in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the Young Survival Coalition.

You can read more about the new support group in Snohomish County here.