Young Survival Coalition (YSC) strengthens the community, addresses the unique needs, amplifies the voice and improves the quality of life of young adults affected by breast cancer, locally, nationally and internationally.
In 1998, a group of young women, all diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40, gathered in New York City and had the first YSC meeting. They had all personally experienced that young adults were missing from the research, community and conversations about breast cancer. More than twenty years later, these needs still define YSC’s work.
Unlike their older counterparts - who are overwhelmingly integrated into the design of clinical trials - young adults diagnosed with breast cancer face higher mortality rates, fertility issues and the possibility and ramifications of early menopause.
From our grassroots beginning, YSC has grown into an international movement. Today, YSC has more than 170 Face 2 Face local networking groups, a vibrant online community, and the largest conference program dedicated exclusively to young adults with breast cancer and their caregivers. YSC also produces free educational resources, such as our breast cancer navigator series, which are comprehensive guidebooks that address every phase of treatment and survivorship.
Young adults diagnosed with breast cancer face issues that may significantly impact their quality and length of life. These issues are often amplified for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and include:
Aggressive forms of cancer: Young adults are generally diagnosed with more aggressive forms of breast cancer with higher fatality rates.
Lack of research: As the incidence of young adults with breast cancer is much lower than in older women, young women are often underrepresented in research studies.
Financial challenges: Breast cancer can dramatically impact a young adult’s financial stability due to workplace issues, lack of sufficient health insurance and the cost of cancer care.
Body image: It is challenging for some to embrace their new body after breast cancer-related surgery and/or side effects of medically induced menopause.
Our breast cancer statistics page provides research studies and details on how breast cancer is different for those diagnosed age 40 and under.
Our informative resources and conferences for young adults affected by breast cancer and their co-survivors, specific to their experiences and needs, from diagnosis and treatment to long-term survivorship.
Our local in-person support networks, digital meetups and communities, and one-on-one support with trained peer mentors.
Our educational workshops for medical researchers, healthcare providers and social workers to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge they need to better serve young breast cancer patients.
Our support and programs specifically created for young adults with metastatic breast cancer and their co-survivors that help them stay up-to-date on the latest stage IV treatment, make decisions to improve quality of life, and build a supportive community.