The Living Beyond Breast Cancer Summit will take place Saturday, October 3 in Philadelphia, with select keynote sessions available by livestream for those who cannot attend in person.
Come together with the breast cancer community for a day centered on you. Whether you’re in treatment for early-stage breast cancer, beyond primary treatment, or living with metastatic breast cancer, the Summit gives you space to step away from everyday demands, learn from leading oncology experts, explore wellness experiences, and connect with others who understand. Leave with trusted information, practical resources, new connections, and greater confidence navigating what comes next.
Event details
The Living Beyond Breast Cancer Summit is a one-day experience created with you in mind. A chance to learn, recharge, and connect. Explore what it means to live well after an early-stage or metastatic diagnosis through trusted education, practical guidance you can use in everyday life, and wellness resources and experiences designed to help you care for your whole self. Leave feeling more informed, more supported, and more confident moving forward with a community beside you.
What you can expect from this year’s Summit
- Find trusted guidance for what comes next through keynote presentations and breakout sessions led by leading medical and wellness experts, covering topics including survivorship and thrivership, testing, nutrition, caregiving, and sex and intimacy.
- Gain a deeper understanding of testing. Dedicated sessions for early-stage and metastatic breast cancer will help you better understand the tests used to guide treatment decisions, what your results mean, and how they can inform your care.
- Dedicated programming for metastatic and triple-negative breast cancer. In addition to sessions designed for all attendees, the Summit includes a breakout session for people living with metastatic breast cancer. People with triple-negative breast cancer can take part in dedicated programming in partnership with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, including a breakout session and community meet-up.
- Connect with others who understand throughout the day in welcoming spaces designed for conversation and community. Join us for a connection reception and book signing with Sue Weldon, and build meaningful relationships with people who share similar experiences.
- A Wellness Hall in partnership with Unite for HER featuring wellness providers, resources, and experiences designed to help you care for your whole self.
- Free children’s programming in partnership with Kesem for kids ages 6 to 14 offers a fun, engaging day of activities, allowing parents and caregivers to take part in the Summit knowing their children are enjoying a meaningful experience of their own.
- More than a livestream. Virtual attendees can watch keynote sessions and connect with fellow participants, whether they are joining in person or virtually, through Flourish, Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s free online community.
Kesem: One-day program for children
Kesem Together: Kesem will host a one-day program for children during this year’s summit. Children will break into aged-based groups to play games, complete arts and crafts projects, and visit a local attraction. Learn more about the program and register your child.
What does attending cost?
- In-person attendee: $75
- In-person companion: $75
- Livestream only: $25
Companion ticket is for caregivers – bring a friend or loved one with you.
Fee waivers are available. A free livestream virtual ticket option is also available.
Schedule
Sessions showing a video icon (🎥) are also available via livestream.
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. ET | Registration
Get checked in and receive your name tag, badge ribbons, tote, and conference gift.
8:00 – 9:15 a.m. ET | Breakfast
Enjoy a continental breakfast and connect with others.
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET | Wellness Hall & exhibits
Visit with the summit exhibitors. Learn about their products and services to support your health and well-being.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET | Kesem Children’s Program
Children will break into aged-based groups and activities to play games, complete arts and crafts projects, and visit a local attraction.
8:45 – 9:30 a.m. ET | Triple-negative breast cancer morning meet-up
Mingle and connect with others diagnosed with early-stage and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
9:45 – 11:00 a.m. ET | Opening day remarks & keynote | Survivorship/Thrivership: Living well at every stage | 🎥
Facilitator: Jean Sachs, MSS, MLSP
Speaker: Monique Gary, DO, MSc, FACS
In this opening keynote, Dr. Gary will explore what it means to live well after a breast cancer diagnosis whether you have been recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, are currently in treatment, are years past treatment, or are living with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis.
The session will discuss what to expect during survivorship, including common physical and emotional challenges such as managing the lingering side effects from treatment, from therapies to reduce risk of recurrence, and managing fear of recurrence. Dr. Gary will highlight current trends and emerging research that are shaping survivorship care. Recognizing that the experience of living with metastatic breast cancer is different, the keynote will also address the unique realities of thrivership—living well while receiving ongoing treatment—and how people can navigate uncertainty, maintain quality of life, and find support.
Together, these perspectives will offer an inclusive conversation about living well after a breast cancer diagnosis, no matter where you are.
9:45 – 11:00 a.m. ET | Breakout | Caregiver care: What you need so you can give
Facilitator: Stef Washburn, MSW, LSW
Speaker: Celeste Vaughan-Briggs, LCSW
A breast cancer diagnosis touches everyone, not only the person diagnosed but also those that care for them. This session provides caregivers with a space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with their own well-being. Together, we will explore the unique challenges of caregiving, share practical strategies for managing stress and uncertainty, and consider tools for setting boundaries, communicating needs, and accessing supportive resources. Participants will leave feeling validated, less alone, and better equipped to care both for their loved ones and themselves.
11:00 – 11:15 a.m. ET | Stretch, snack break and exhibits
Enjoy a 15-minute break in programming to leave your seats, stretch your legs, grab a snack, and visit our summit exhibitors in the Wellness Hall.
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET | Breakout | Understanding testing: Early-stage breast cancer | 🎥
Facilitator: Jean Sachs, MSS, MLSP
Speaker: Eleonora Teplinsky, MD, FASCO
Testing can provide important information to help guide treatment decisions in early-stage breast cancer. In this session Dr. Teplinsky will explain commonly used tests, predictive tests that indicate the benefit of chemotherapy and tests to determine the length of endocrine therapy. You will gain a deeper understanding of these tests, when they may be recommended, and how the results may impact your care. You’ll also learn about emerging tests, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), how they are being used now in practice and in clinical trials, and when they may become standard care.
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET | Breakout | Understanding testing: Metastatic breast cancer
Facilitator: Caroline Koffke, RN, BSN, OCN
Speaker: Igor Makhlin, MD
Testing is the key to personalized medicine for metastatic breast cancer. In this session, Dr. Makhlin will explain the biomarker tests commonly used in metastatic breast cancer and discuss how the results can help identify treatment options and clinical trials. You’ll also learn the differences between solid tissue and liquid biopsies, when each may be used, and what to expect from the testing process. The session will provide practical information to help you better understand your test results and have informed conversations with your healthcare team.
12:45 – 1:30 p.m. ET | Lunch & exhibits
Enjoy a plated lunch, a break from the sessions, and visit the summit exhibitors in the Wellness Hall to learn more about their products and services.
1:30 – 2:45 p.m. ET | Breakout | Cutting through the noise and cost of healthy eating | 🎥
Facilitator: TBD
Speaker: Aubrey Redd, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND
A breast cancer diagnosis is often accompanied by many questions, challenges, and changes — including in the way we relate to nutrition and food. In a time of rising food costs and information overload, join us for a session that aims to cut through the clutter to present the most up-to-date nutrition recommendations for those living with an early-stage or metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Leave this session with practical tips on how to cut costs at the register without sacrificing taste and nourishment.
1:30 – 2:45 p.m. ET | Breakout | Triple-negative breast cancer: Understanding today’s treatment options in early-stage and metastatic breast cancer
Facilitator: TBD
Speaker: Monique Gary, DO, MSc, FACS
Hosted in partnership with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation
Treatment for triple-negative breast cancer has changed in recent years, offering new options for people with both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer diagnoses. In this session, Dr. Gary will explain today’s standard treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and how biomarker and genetic testing help guide treatment decisions. You’ll also learn about the latest advances in care, what questions to ask your healthcare team, and promising areas of ongoing research and clinical trials.
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. ET | Stretch and snack break and exhibits
Enjoy a 15-minute break in programming to leave your seats, stretch your legs, grab a snack, and visit our conference exhibitors in the Wellness Hall.
3:00 – 4:15 p.m. ET | Keynote | Sexual health after a breast cancer diagnosis | 🎥
Facilitator: TBD
Speaker: Kristin Rojas, MD, FACS, FACOG
Breast cancer and its treatments can have a significant impact on sexual health, intimacy, and quality of life. In this session, Dr. Rojas will explore how menopause can affect sexual well-being, including common symptoms such as vaginal dryness, pain, hot flashes with intimacy, and changes in desire. Learn about safe and effective options for managing these changes as well as the latest evidence on vaginal estrogen, how recommendations have evolved over time, and what current research means for people diagnosed with breast cancer, including those with hormone receptor-positive disease. You’ll also gain practical strategies for talking with your healthcare team, preparing for menopause-related changes, and finding solutions that support your sexual health and overall well-being.
4:15 – 5:30 p.m. ET | Connection Reception: Happy hour, reception, exhibits
Join us for a happy hour and reception in the Wellness Hall. Sip on a signature mocktail while connecting with other attendees and a final visit with the exhibitors.
Speakers
Monique Gary, DO, MSc, FACS
Medical Director, Grand View Health and Penn Cancer Network Cancer Program
Igor Makhlin, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Aubrey Redd, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, & Founder, Aubrey Redd Nutrition LLC
Kristin Rojas, MD, FACS, FACOG
Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Eleonora Teplinsky, MD, FASCO
Head, Breast and Gynecological Medical Oncology, Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care
Celeste Vaughan-Briggs, LCSW
Program Manager, Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program; Oncology Social Worker at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson
Exhibitors
-
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
-
GE Healthcare
-
Impedimed
-
Jolene Hart, CHC, Unite for HER Beauty Adviser
-
Melissa Faith-Baun, LMT, CLT, Lymphedema & Integrative Oncology Services LLC
-
Michelle Stortz, Oncology Yoga Therapy
-
TerSera
-
Thomas Burgoon, MD, Medical Acupuncture of Chester County
-
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation
-
Unite for HER
-
Veracyte
Updated as of July 29, 2026
Thank you
Presenting sponsor
Title sponsors
Signature sponsor
Supporter sponsor
Friend sponsors
-
GE Healthcare
-
ImpediMed
-
TerSera
-
Veracyte
Organizational Partners
About host city
October is a great time to visit Philadelphia — the City of Brotherly Love! There are so many wonderful things to see and do and places to eat in Philadelphia that it can be hard to know where to begin. Get more information about the city and its attractions at Visit Philadelphia!
Travel & lodging
The Philadelphia metropolitan area is easily accessible train, bus, car or plane. Learn more about options for traveling to Philadelphia below.
By train
AMTRAK runs directly to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station with service to the surrounding areas and throughout the United States. Visit AMTRAK’s website for timetables and train information.
By bus
Buses run to Philadelphia’s Greyhound Station at 1001 Filbert St. Philadelphia, PA 19107, about 2 miles from the conference hotel. Please visit Greyhound’s website for schedules into the Philadelphia’s Greyhound Bus Station. You can take a cab or Uber/Lyft from Philadelphia’s Greyhound Station to the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing.
By car
Philadelphia is just two hours from New York City, 90 minutes from Baltimore, three hours from Washington D.C. and about an hour from Lancaster County, Atlantic City and New Jersey shore points.
Parking
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
Event self-parking at the Hilton Philadelphia is $27.00 (plus tax). Valet parking is available at the rate of $39.00 (plus tax). In and out privileges and overnight parking are not applicable.
Autopark at Olde City
2nd & Sansom Streets
125 South 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
About a 10-minute walk from the summit location, Autopark at Olde City offers parking for $30 for up to 24 hours.
By plane
The Philadelphia International Airport services the Philadelphia area and is just seven miles from Center City. Below are transportation options from the airport.
Airport train
Take the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line from any PHL airport terminal to Jefferson Station, located at Market St., between 10th & 12th Sts. Please note: the conference hotel is not within walking distance from Jefferson St. Station. For more information: Septa Airport Line.
Airport taxi
Philadelphia taxis charge a flat rate of $32.00, plus a $1.50 airport egress fee per passenger for travel between Center City and the airport.
Lodging
The 2026 Living Beyond Breast Cancer Summit will be held at Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing. If in need of a hotel stay, attendees are responsible for making their own hotel reservations directly with Hilton Penn’s Landing or another lodging of their choice. Additional hotels within walking distance of the Summit venue include the Holiday Inn Express Penn’s Landing and Philadelphia Marriott Old City.
Stay connected
Sign up to be notified when registration opens, receive emotional support, medical insight, personal stories, and more, delivered to your inbox weekly.