2026 Living Beyond Breast Cancer Summit

Facilitator: Jean Sachs, MSS, MLSP
Speaker: Monique Gary, DO, MSc, FACS
Panelists: Jeanmarie Mason and Angelica Rinker

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.

Two patient advocates will join the Q&A portion of the session. Together, these perspectives will offer an inclusive conversation about living well after a breast cancer diagnosis, no matter where you are.

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Facilitator: Caroline Koffke, RN, BSN, OCN
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.

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Facilitator: Lynn Folkman
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.

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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.

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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.

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Facilitator: Arlene Brothers
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.

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Facilitator: Chris Jefferson
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.

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