Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, a leader in research to better understand early-onset cancers and to address the unique challenges faced by younger patients, will be holding the VICC 2025 Young Adult Cancer Symposium on Nov. 15.
The symposium, which is a CME-accredited event, offers clinicians, patients, caregivers and advocates the opportunity to learn from internationally known experts focused on early-onset cancers.
The inaugural event will begin with a 7 a.m. breakfast and end at 3 p.m. at Listening Room Cafe, 618 4th Ave. South, in Nashville. There will be a meet-and-greet the evening before the symposium, on Nov. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Printing House Hotel, 501 3rd Ave. South, in Nashville.
The symposium will focus on breast cancer, colorectal cancer and stem cell therapies, as well as discussions on other topics.
“The Vanderbilt-Ingram Young Adults Cancer Program is one of the first in the country.” said Cathy Eng, MD, the David H. Johnson Endowed Professor of Surgical and Medical Oncology, professor of Medicine and executive director of the VICC Young Adult Cancers Program. “Early-onset cancer is a global matter of concern.
“By 2040, early-onset cancer cases are projected to increase by approximately 14%, resulting in 1.15 million deaths. Colorectal cancer is expected to become the leading cause of cancer death by 2030, with about 49new cases daily. Breast cancer continues to rise, with approximately 35 new cases daily. Bloodborne cancers may result in the range of 50 to 75 new cases per day.”
To meet this challenge and to better serve younger patients, Vanderbilt-Ingram established the Young Adults Cancer Program in 2019.
“Since the program’s inception, referrals have increased by about 80%, leading to 1,250 individual, new patient visits in 2024,” Eng said. “Our goals are to empower young adult patients with the latest research and treatment updates; foster a community among patients, caregivers, and advocates; and address the unique psychosocial challenges faced by young adults navigating cancer care. We hope this event will inspire support for young adult cancer research and become an annual event.”
Guest speakers include:
- Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, interim chair of the Department of Medical Oncology and the co-founder and director of the Program for Young Adults with Breast Cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will speak on breast cancer.
- Terri Woodard, MD, professor of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center, will speak on fertility preservation.
- Neel Bhatt, MBBS, MPH, associate professor in the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and a hematologist-oncologist specializing in treating young adults with blood cancers, will speak about financial toxicity and the economic challenges that younger patients encounter.
Vanderbilt-Ingram cancer experts will address breast and colorectal cancer, hematologic malignancies, early-onset cancers, survivorship, and sexual health/sexual dysfunction/body image. The symposium will also feature patients and advocates who will share their perspectives.
Go here to register on Eventbrite.
Registration fees:
- Survivors, advocates and patients:
- $55 (early registration) or $70 (as of 10/1).
- Registration fees will be waived for the first 100 survivors/patients.
- Other healthcare providers:
- $65 (early registration) or $77 (as of 10/1).
- Physicians:
- $85 (early registration) or $100 (as of 10/1).
A $10 discount is available to Vanderbilt University Medical Center/VICC employees.
For additional information, please contact Hasani Bland, hasani.l.bland@vumc.org.
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