ShareForCures and the ShareForCures Alliance
Breast cancer research is evolving every day, thanks to the power of data and the individuals who contribute theirs. Susan G. Komen’s ShareForCures is a breast cancer research registry that connects scientists with real-world data from people who have or had breast cancer. Since every diagnosis is unique, combining information from diverse individuals in the ShareForCures community allows researchers to uncover new patterns, accelerate discoveries and improve treatments more efficiently.
But diversity in research isn’t just about race, ethnicity or gender identity — it’s also about age at diagnosis. Young adults with breast cancer often face unique challenges, including more aggressive forms of the disease, fertility concerns and long-term treatment effects. Unfortunately, younger individuals are often underrepresented in research studies. When young adults participate in ShareForCures, they help fill this critical gap in data, ensuring that research reflects the full spectrum of breast cancer experiences. The more diverse the registry, the more impactful discoveries can be for people of all ages.
That’s why the ShareForCures Alliance brings together organizations that support patients and survivors, fostering collaboration to make an even bigger impact. One of the eight current alliance organizations is Young Survival Coalition (YSC), an organization dedicated to serving young adults diagnosed with breast cancer.
April is Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month (TYACAM)
Each April, Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month (TYACAM) shines a light on the unique challenges faced by young adults diagnosed with cancer. Breast cancer is often thought of as a disease affecting older adults, but young adults can and do receive this diagnosis — and their experiences can be vastly different. From managing treatment while building careers or families to facing financial strain and concerns about fertility, young adults with breast cancer navigate a unique set of obstacles that demand attention, research and support.
Young Survival Coalition: A Lifeline for Young Adults Facing Breast Cancer
For more than 25 years, YSC has worked to ensure that no young adult faces breast cancer alone. Founded in 1998 by a group of young women diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40, YSC emerged from a need to amplify the voices of young survivors and advocate for more research, community support and tailored resources. 
Despite advances thanks to organizations such as YSC, young adults remain underrepresented in clinical trials and breast cancer research. Like Komen, YSC is dedicated to changing that.
“YSC joined the ShareForCures Alliance to ensure that young adults facing breast cancer are represented in research that drives real change. By contributing their data and experiences, our community helps accelerate discoveries that reflect the diversity and needs of the people breast cancer impacts most.”
Amanda Nixon, Director of Community Engagement & Empowerment, Young Survival Coalition
How YSC Supports Young Adults
From a grassroots beginning, YSC has grown into an international movement, offering:
- 170+ face-to-face local networking groups to connect young adults navigating similar experiences.
- A robust online community, where individuals can find support at any time.
- The largest conference program exclusively for young adults with breast cancer and their caregivers.
- Educational resources like the Breast Cancer Navigator Series, comprehensive guidebooks that address every stage of treatment and survivorship.
Through advocacy, education and support, YSC is ensuring that young adults diagnosed with breast cancer receive the specialized care and attention they deserve.
The Power of Partnership
By working together through the ShareForCures Alliance, organizations like YSC are helping to bridge the gap in research and resources for young adults facing breast cancer. When young adults participate in ShareForCures, they help fill this critical gap in data, ensuring that research reflects the full spectrum of breast cancer experiences. The more diverse the registry, the more impactful discoveries can be for people of all ages.
Learn more about ShareForCures and join the registry today!
