Chicago, IL April 22, 1999 (ICB TOLL FREE NEWS) Kristina is one. Christine is one. So is Donna. They are among the estimated 10,000 young women between the ages of 20 and 39 diagnosed with breast cancer every year, according to the American Cancer Society. And the National Cancer Institute says the biggest increase in the incidence of breast cancer is among women under the age of 45.

Ameritech and the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization have teamed to establish an innovative pilot program that uses technology to give young breast cancer patients and survivors the information and support they need. Ameritech General Business Services will help these women get in touch with each other and with health care professionals through a monthly conference call using Ameritech's 1-800-CONFERENCE service.

Ameritech's 1-800-CONFERENCE service was launched in 1997, with the carrier's acquisition of the vanity 800 number 1997 for a reported six-figure purchase price.

It's been proven that support groups make a positive difference in the survival of women with breast cancer. "As a breast cancer organization, Y-ME knows the importance a support group makes in the lives of women with breast cancer," says Kristina Pavlou, director of public education, Y-ME. "As a young breast cancer survivor, I know the needs of young women across the country who have breast cancer. There has never been an easy way for them to connect with other women who are in the same age group and who are dealing with the same issues, until now. Thanks to funding from Ameritech, this new tele-support group will make it possible for young women to have the support they need for a better chance for survival and a higher quality of life."

Through Ameritech's 1-800-CONFERENCE, Y-ME will host a monthly teleconference education seminar for approximately 30 young women and their husbands or partners. The hour-long call -- in English only -- is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST on the second Thursday of the month. It will include a 20-minute presentation by a health care professional, followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer session. The conference call concludes with a half-hour rap session led by Y-ME staff members who are young breast cancer survivors. Topics may include pregnancy after breast cancer, reconstruction after mastectomy, exercise and lymphedema, sexuality, dating, follow-up care and prophylactic mastectomy for younger women.

"Ameritech eagerly continues our support of the Y-ME organization with our 1-800-CONFERENCE service," said Robert Wasserman, vice president marketing, Ameritech General Business Services. "Through telecommunications, we can bring these women together, whether they live in a rural area or a city not yet served by Y-ME."

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