YSC Research Agenda

A Legacy of Innovation: The 2013 Research Think Tank

In February 2013, YSC broke new ground by hosting the first-ever Research Think Tank (RTT). At a time when young women were largely overlooked in the broader cancer conversation, we recognized that incremental strides weren't enough. We decided to lead the charge, bringing the medical and research communities together to ensure that the unique needs of young women facing breast cancer were finally prioritized.

This landmark initiative was the culmination of a two-year journey. We united over 50 dedicated advocates, researchers, and physicians in Washington, D.C., to identify the most pressing, unanswered questions in our field. Together, we created the YSC Research Agenda, a visionary roadmap designed to influence future studies and guide funding toward the issues that matter most: length and quality of life.

Defining the Future of Research

The RTT was a pioneer in its collaborative structure, dividing expertise into six critical workgroups that addressed the complexities of the young survivor experience:

• Treatment & Metastasis: Pushing for therapies tailored to younger biology.

• Risk Factors: Investigating the internal and external drivers of early-onset breast cancer.

• Quality of Life: Addressing the long-term psychological and physical impact of diagnosis.

• Fertility & Pregnancy: Navigating family planning and reproductive health during and after treatment.

Our Lasting Impact

The work born from this 2013 meeting set a new standard for patient-led advocacy in the scientific community. By establishing these priorities, we shifted the landscape from passive observation to active partnership with the world's leading scientists. The insights gathered here continue to serve as a foundation for YSC's commitment to evidence-based support and advocacy.

For a deeper look into this historic process, you can read our published findings in the Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology or watch the retrospective video of the meeting below.

A New Day: Research Think Tank 2.0

Building on this historic foundation, we convened RTT 2.0 in 2026 to address the evolved landscape of modern oncology. Recognizing that the research needs of the young community have shifted over the last decade, we once again brought together a panel of experts and advocates to update our priorities and set a new gold standard for the field. We are currently finalizing the formal publication of these findings, ensuring that the legacy of innovation started in 2013 continues to drive progress for the next generation of survivors.