The 2024 International ILC Symposium took place from September 23-25, 2024, in Leuven, Belgium at the Irish College Leuven. Its main purpose was to elevate invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) as a distinct breast cancer subtype—addressing its unique biology, diagnostic challenges, and the urgent need for lobular‑specific trials and treatments. Patient advocates actively participated on panels, co‑presented posters, joined small‑group “GRASP Poster Meetup” discussions with scientists, and shaped research priorities through shared storytelling and scientific collaboration. By blending lived experience with scientific inquiry, the Symposium fostered a powerful sense of partnership and momentum toward ILC awareness, standardized pathology, imaging improvements, and advocacy‑informed research goals.
LBCA supports patient advocates’ attendance at the ILC Symposium by providing a travel scholarship program that includes a competitive application process. Successful applicants receive a significant portion of their travel costs reimbursed and in exchange agree to write about their experience at the conference to help inform others who have never attended.
2024 ILC Symposium travel scholars shared powerful takeaways from the Symposium in their reflections. Kristin, from the U.K., found value in connecting with patient advocates from other countries. She noted how much she learned about ILC imaging as a part of a discussion panel, and appreciated the inclusion of metastatic ILC in many of the sessions.
Aditya, who is dedicated to spreading awareness of ILC in rural India, felt empowered knowing the voices of ILC patient advocates were heard by scientists at the Symposium.
Similarly, Donna noted how rewarding it was to network with international ILC patients and scientists. She also enjoyed learning about promising research such as analyzing circulating tumor cells in ILC patients.
Ciara also highlights opportunities to learn about innovative ILC research. She especially enjoyed the smaller breakout sessions, which allowed her to ask important questions and open a dialogue with panelists.
Jade, who has more recently begun her ILC advocacy journey, valued networking with veteran patient advocates. She felt empowered by the Symposium to speak more confidently about the science behind ILC and to raise awareness in a variety of forums.
Finally, Gitte noted, “Advocacy is truly my life preserver, giving me the strength and purpose to continue pushing for positive change.” All of LBCA’s 2024 travel scholars recognize the value of connecting international ILC advocates and scientists, reaffirming the need for collaboration to improve ILC treatment, diagnostics, and research.
You can read the full accounts by each of LBCA’s scholars who attended the 2024 ILC Symposium below.