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Young women can – and do – get Breast Cancer.
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An estimated 1,200 women under the age of 45 in Illinois will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
A breast cancer diagnosis changes a young woman’s life forever.
The Young and A Survivor (YAAS!) network was established in 2019 to ensure young women affected by breast cancer have the resources and support to meet the challenges of life after a cancer diagnosis.
Young and A Survivor is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cooperative Agreement NU58DP006674.
Who We Are
About YAAS!
YAAS! is a network of healthcare providers, community-based organizations, young survivors, and metastatic thrivers working together to bring resources and services to young women affected by breast cancer and their loved ones.
The YAAS! Network is especially focused on young women who have limited access to resources and support because of race, color, sexual orientation and/or identity, disability, education, income, and other structural barriers.
By providing education and training to healthcare providers and community-based health workers, the YAAS! Network increases awareness of the needs of young women affected by breast cancer and provides young women the support they need.
Mission
The YAAS! Network is dedicated to making comprehensive, high quality, person-centered supportive care accessible to all young women in Chicago affected by breast cancer, their families, and their communities.
YAAS! Leadership and Staff
Tamara Hamlish, PhD (Principal Investigator)
Talia Holzman Castellands, MPH (Project Manager)
Nikki Malazarte (Outreach Manager)
Joan Alcazar (Outreach Coordinator)
YAAS! Partners
Contact Us
If you are a patient or survivor looking for extra support, a clinician seeking resources to benefit your patients, or a community organization interested in partnering with the University of Illinois Cancer Center, complete our online form.
