Young Adult Cancers Symposium hosted by the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

The YAC Symposium empowers young adults with cancer, tackling unique challenges and supporting breast, colorectal & blood cancers.

The Inaugural Young Adult Cancers Symposium, hosted by the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville, TN, is a one-day multidisciplinary event dedicated to empowering young adults affected by cancer and transforming their journey. With a focus on breast, colorectal, and hematologic malignancies, the symposium addresses the unique challenges faced by young adult cancer patients, survivors, and advocates.

Whether you are a healthcare provider, patient, caregiver, or advocate, join this inspiring event to contribute to a brighter future for young adults facing cancer.

The event will feature two key sessions:

• Session 1: Presentations by nationally recognized experts from institutions like Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dana Farber Cancer Center, highlighting the latest research developments, innovations in diagnosis and treatment, and advancements in long-term care.
• Session 2: Personal stories and panel discussions where young patients, caregivers, and advocates will explore critical topics such as family planning, fertility, financial toxicity, body image, sexual health, coping strategies, and mental health.

Through engaging presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, the symposium will foster collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and advocacy leaders, while offering practical solutions to enhance the quality of life for young adults.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Learning Objectives:

After participating in this educational activity, you should be able to:

1. Enhance their understanding of young adult cancer-specific challenges. Recognize the unique medical, psychosocial, and practical needs of young adult cancer patients and survivors, including issues related to fertility, family planning, body image, sexual health, financial toxicity, and mental health.
2. Apply evidence-based practices to patient care. Integrate the latest research developments, innovative treatment approaches, and diagnostic strategies into the care of young adult patients with breast, colorectal, and hematologic malignancies.
3. Address social determinants of health. Incorporate strategies to navigate barriers such as financial toxicity, access to care, and psychosocial stressors to improve health equity and quality of life for young adult cancer patients.
4. Provide patient-centered, holistic care. Tailor management strategies to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of young adult cancer patients, considering their unique life circumstances and priorities.
5. Advocate for patient empowerment and community-building. Promote a supportive environment that amplifies patient voices, fosters resilience, and connects young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers with resources and networks.
6. Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. Work effectively with oncologists, nurses, social workers, mental health professionals, and patient advocates to provide comprehensive care and support to young adult cancer patients and survivors.

Target Audience:

Specialties - Medicine, Other, Palliative Care, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Radiation Oncology, Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Section of Surgical Sciences, Social Work, Surgery

Accreditation and Credit Designation Statements:

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Vanderbilt University Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.