Fewer than 10 percent of all breast cancer cases occur in women younger than 41.
Still, that translates to some 250,000 women in the United States, according to the Young Survival Coalition, which will host what it calls the only national conference for young women impacted by the disease.
Age impacts how a person relates to anything — marriage, parenthood, careers — so why would one’s health, and breast cancer in particular, be any different? Young women who face the disease have different issues than their older counterparts, and that’s what this conference promises to address.
It will be held March 6-8 in Houston. Among the speakers will be Dr. Susan Love, prominent breast cancer specialist and advocate for those fighting it. Like many of the other speakers, Love herself is no stranger to cancer. (Read her story here.)
Healthcare professionals will lead workshops on topics such as nutrition, making healthy lifestyle changes, sex and intimacy, dating, fertility and family planning, and parenting.
There will be discussions on coping with side effects and the long-term implications of treatment. The conference also will give young cancer survivors a chance to network.
The conference also is open to those who provide support for someone with breast cancer, and will offer advice to them on how to best offer care as well as how to maintain their own well-being.
It also will provide resources and training for healthcare professionals so they can learn how best to treat young breast cancer survivors.
The early-bird fees are in effect until Jan. 4. To register, visit here.