YSC is creating the Next Generation of Young, Educated Breast Cancer Advocates

This is big news….. YSC has just selected 10 exceptional women who will become the next generation of breast cancer advocates in the United States.

Everyone knows that YSC has been the voice for young women affected by breast cancer since its inception in 1998, but did you know that YSC has also led the way in advocacy for breast cancer in young women?

I believe that the interests of young women need to be represented in the nationwide conversation about breast cancer – at scientific conferences, legislative hearings and on research grants, among others.

I believe that YSC must ‘have a seat at the table’ in every breast cancer conversation in order to ensure that the unique voice of young women is being heard.

I also believe that YSC has the sole responsibility to create this next generation of advocates. No one else can do this…. It has to be us.

I am proud to announce that YSC has created a NEW exclusive program called
‘RISE’ - Respected Influencers through Science and Education. This program is for volunteer advocates that YSC will train in all aspects of breast cancer, including science, research, advocacy and policy…. so they can sit at those ‘tables’ and ensure the voice of young women is always being heard.

Each RISE advocate selected for the program will serve a three-year commitment. Every year, a new class of 10 new participants will be selected to participate in the program. YSC plans to graduate 40 leaders at the end of six years, resulting in a new generation of educated, smart, young women to join the scientific conversations that are happening between researches, doctors and the government.

Once trained, the RISE advocates will be qualified to speak knowledgeably and credibly on behalf of YSC and other young survivors. This is vitally important, because breast cancer in young women is not simply a disease diagnosed at a young age; it has biological characteristics and treatment concerns that differ from diagnosis in post-menopausal women.

Please join me in welcoming the very first YSC RISE class of 10 advocates!!!

Read their bios and learn more about the Rise program.

YSC is an organization that changes the lives of young women diagnosed with breast cancer across the United States every day. And this is just another example of our leadership, dedication and commitment to young women who have been affected by this disease. #feelingproud

Did you know these facts about YSC and its history with advocacy?

 - YSC held its first Medical Research Symposium in 2001 and initiated research on breast cancer in young women through partnerships soon after.

 - In 2002, a Wall Street Journal article credited YSC as a major catalyst for changing the landscape of breast cancer research.

 - YSC has published numerous position papers on controversial topics, including the recent ACS Screening Guideline Updates.

 - After an exhaustive 18-month collaboration with advocates, leading researchers and clinicians, YSC released its “Research Agenda” in May 2014, listing the top research priorities. The agenda includes research priorities in the areas of metastasis, treatment, pregnancy and fertility, quality of life and survivorship, and risk factors. View the executive summary and recommended priorities at youngsurvival.org/research-agenda.