The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the only international, non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer. Through action, advocacy and awareness, the YSC seeks to educate the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities and to persuade them to address breast cancer in women 40 and under.

YSC Background
The organization was founded by three young breast cancer survivors in 1998.  All under the age of 35 at diagnosis, they were discouraged by the lack of information and resources available to young women, and concerned about the under-representation of young women in breast cancer studies.

Unlike their post-menopausal counterparts, young women diagnosed with breast cancer face higher mortality rates, fertility issues and the possibility and ramifications of early menopause. The YSC seeks to change the face of breast cancer by: advocating to increase the number of studies about young women and breast cancer; educating young women about the importance of breast self-examination and early detection; and being a point of contact for other young women with breast cancer.

The YSC seeks to improve the quality and quantity of life of all young women affected by breast cancer.

YSC National Programs and Resources  

Youngsurvival.org
The YSC website is the most comprehensive resource in the world for and about young women affected by breast cancer.  The site features survivor stories; summaries of medical research on young women and breast cancer; updates on current clinical trials; bulletin boards where young women living with and at risk for breast cancer, their friends, family members and medical team can exchange experiences and information; breast cancer FAQs; local and national events; live chats; YSC merchandise; and information on making donations.

The YSC website also hosts pages specific to YSC’s affiliates, allowing them to showcase their local programs, activities and merchandise.

ResourceLink
ResourceLink is an online and toll-free resource for anyone with questions regarding breast cancer in young women.  Inquiries can be made via email info@youngsurvival.org or by calling (877) YSC-1011. ResourceLink is also the basis for the ResourceLink Guidebook, an online and print resource listing local, national and worldwide resources and programs specific to young women affected by breast cancer. 

Point of Contact
The Point of Contact program, a subset of the ResourceLink program, provides young women with a peer match volunteer who shares a similar diagnosis, similar life experiences or concerns.  Matches are made when young women contact the YSC at (877) YSC-1011 or ResourceLink@youngsurvival.org.

Young Women Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
The YSC has ongoing programs to address the unique and often “whispered” issues surrounding metastatic breast cancer in young women. These programs aim to provide information and reduce the sense of isolation for this underserved population. Specific aspects include an educational video The Beautiful 8: Young Women Learning to Live with Advanced Breast Cancer, fact sheets, brochures, live chats, quarterly teleconferences and retreats.

Young Perspectives Quarterly Teleconferences
Young Perspectives is a national teleconference series that addresses the issues critical to young women affected by breast cancer.  A presentation by one or more breast cancer experts is followed by a question-and-answer session.  Topics include breast cancer genetics, fertility and pregnancy, clinical trials, intimacy and sexuality and advanced breast cancer.

Young Perspective Quarterly Newsletter
Young Perspective is a newsletter with updates on YSC events, research agendas, conferences, new programs and funding initiatives.  The newsletter highlights the dedication of YSC’s volunteers who advocate in the research and legislative communities, educate the medical and the breast health community, reach out to other young women and are passionate about the YSC’s mission of action, advocacy and awareness.

Adopt-a-Hospital Resource and Information Campaign 
The YSC works with its constituents in all 50 states to “adopt” hospitals, cancer centers, and doctors’ offices to increase awareness about the YSC and distribute brochures and other YSC resources to young women affected by breast cancer. This program enables the YSC to decrease the sense of isolation felt by many young women affected by breast cancer, as well as to place vital resources into the hands of those who need it most.

YSC Newly Diagnosed Resource Kits
These kits are designed to provide newly diagnosed young women with local resources and information developed specifically for them.  This YSC national program is implemented at the local level, through the affiliates, by distributing kits through the local hospitals.

Diversity Initiative
The YSC’s Diversity Initiative aims to reach varied populations in an effort to provide a committed, connected and diverse community to young women affected by breast cancer. The Diversity Committee brings together women of color, lesbians, and women of all socioeconomic backgrounds and disabilities to share opinions, help create programs and establish partnerships with organizations to reach out to the underserved communities that YSC is targeting.

The YSC offers a variety of print and audio/visual educational materials suitable for young women affected by breast cancer, their loved ones and healthcare professionals.  These materials cover a wide range of topics, including fertility and pregnancy concerns, dating and sexuality, the role of genetics and family history in breast cancer and YSC programs and initiatives. To request educational materials or for more information, contact info@youngsurvival.org or (646) 257-3000.