Young and Strong Program for Young Adults with Breast Cancer

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.

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:

• Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
• Exercise classes and consults
• Nutrition Services
• Integrative Therapies
• Sexual Health Program
• Young Adult Program
• Adult Survivorship Program
• Friends' Place
• Spiritual Care

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.

Educational video

Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Review of Young Women’s Breast Cancer Research

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.