The 47th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) took place in December 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. SABCS is one of the world’s most prominent gatherings of breast cancer researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates. The conference focuses on the latest developments in breast cancer research, treatment, and care, with an increasing emphasis on patient-centered perspectives.
LBCA supports patient advocates’ attendance at SABCS by offering travel scholarships through a competitive application process. Selected advocates are reimbursed for a significant portion of their travel expenses and, in return, share their conference experiences to help inform and inspire others in the lobular breast cancer (ILC) community.
This year’s LBCA travel scholars included Sima Sabeti, Jade Moran, Suzanne Bissell, Diana Mandras, and Miranda Mihkelson, who all shared powerful insights and reflections from their time at SABCS.
Sima, an experienced participant in global scientific gatherings, was deeply impacted by the focus on precision medicine and the importance of patient-specific treatment approaches. She left with renewed commitment to ILC research, awareness, and lifestyle-based interventions, and is pursuing further advocacy training.
Jade emphasized the vital role of patient advocates in research settings and highlighted compelling sessions on metabolic risk, organ-specific metastases, and cutting-edge imaging and treatment technologies. She also cherished the opportunity to connect with other advocates and plans to apply her learning directly to ILC education efforts.
Suzanne, attending her first-ever medical conference, found the experience both overwhelming and inspiring. From groundbreaking technologies like ctDNA blood tests and in-office tumor analysis to conversations with other survivors, she left committed to spreading awareness of ILC.
Diana explored advanced topics like AI in imaging, PET scan innovations, and circulating tumor testing for breast cancer monitoring. She is already applying her learnings to clinical conversations back home, educating doctors on lobular cancer distinctions and advocating for tools like Guardant Health’s liquid biopsy testing. Her advocacy is deeply rooted in data, early detection, and patient empowerment.
Miranda traveled from the UK to represent European ILC patient advocates and was struck by the scope of global research, differences in healthcare approaches, and the empowering role of US-based patient advocacy. She gained valuable insight into underrecognized side effects, supplement interactions, and promising diagnostic innovations like AI imaging and personalized therapies. Miranda continues to amplify ILC awareness through ongoing international events and public engagement in the UK.
You can read the full accounts by each of LBCA’s 5 scholars who attended the 2024 SABCS conference below.