Medical experts convene to discuss emotional and medical issues of young breast cancer survivors

Feb 18 2010

One in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer is younger than 45 when diagnosed, yet their emotional and medical concerns are different than those of women over age 45, as is the impact of their diagnosis on family, friends, partners, colleagues and children. Fertility concerns and the possibility of treatment-induced early menopause are just two examples of the issues young women face.

For women who partner with women, the concerns are even greater. The 10th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer will feature a workshop for same sex couples that will address the unique psychosocial and practical issues impacting them when facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

The 10th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer is the only international conference dedicated to the critical issues of young breast cancer survivors and those who care about them. Nearly 1,000 young breast cancer survivors, caregivers and medical professionals from around the world are expected to attend the Conference, to be held Friday, Feb. 26-Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, Ga.

During the Women Who Partner with Women workshop, same sex couples will learn communication strategies to help better care for each other, explore ways to break through preconceived notions from others and discover strategies for overcoming barriers in the healthcare system that may differ from their heterosexual peers.

The workshop will take place from 1:45 - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27 and will be led by Ashley Varner, MSW, MBA, senior director of caregiving programs at The Cancer Support Community.

Source: Young Survival Coalition,