Support and Education for Young Adults With Breast Cancer

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Young and Strong Breast Cancer Forum

The annual Breast Cancer in Young Adults Forum, open to young adults with breast cancer (diagnosed under the age of 45), survivors, and loved ones, was hosted by the Young and Strong Program in Fall 2023. We hope you join us next year!

View highlights from the 2023 forum series

View highlights from the 2022 forum series

Young and Strong Breast Cancer Virtual Forum

The annual Breast Cancer in Young Adults Virtual Forum Series, open to young adults with breast cancer (diagnosed under the age of 45), survivors, and loved ones, was hosted by the Young and Strong Program in October 2022. We hope you join us next year!

View highlights from the 2022 forum series

Beyond their clinical experiences, patients in the Young and Strong program are surrounded by a circle of support, resources, and education. On their first day, each new patient meets with a coordinator who explains all the opportunities and remains a resource throughout their journey.

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SoulMates offers peer support for breast cancer patients.

Support

A social worker can provide one-on-one counseling sessions throughout treatment. Patients also receive a referral, as needed, to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

We offer the following resources specific to young adults:

  • Young adults' telephone support group
  • SoulMates peer support program
  • Young adult support group
  • Individualized check-in after the first visit and follow-up calls
  • Access to a bi-annual Young and Strong newsletter
  • Monthly emails that highlight resources and events specifically for young adults sponsored by not only Dana-Farber, but our trusted partners and outside groups
  • In-person education seminars and workshops
  • Webcasts on a variety of topics
  • Annual forum for patients, survivors, and loved ones

Young adults in the Young and Strong program may also take advantage of the following additional resources:

Learn more about Dana-Farber's patient and family support services.

Education

Young adults are often eager to learn about their cancer and how to navigate their work and relationships. An annual forum offers education and camaraderie, and smaller workshops are held throughout the year on such topics as sexual health, couples, and survivorship.

A 6-week session, Facing Forward, brings together people of all ages who have completed treatment for early-stage breast cancer.

We also offer online resources such as webcasts, webchats, and podcasts.

Research in the Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer

A long-term, multi-site study of young women with breast cancer yields some key findings. In this video, Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, Founder and Director of the Program for Young Adults with Breast Cancer, and Shoshana Rosenberg, ScD, MPH, share their discoveries so far.