Defining priorities for care among young adults diagnosed with breast cancer
Caroline Lommer, Elsa Wani, Scott R. Rosas, Lindsey Sova, Ann Scheck McAlearney, Ashley P. Davenport, Daniel Stover, Erin B. Burke, William E. Carson, Sara P. MyersAbstract
Introduction
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality among young adults (YAs) aged 18–39 years. Although the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that YAs be treated at centers with age‐specific expertise, standardized care pathways are lacking. This study describes a stakeholder‐informed approach to identifying priorities and timing for YA‐specific breast cancer care using group concept mapping .
Methods
Breast oncology providers, YA patients, and caregivers from a single comprehensive cancer center participated in a group concept mapping study between July 2025 and January 2026 that used a web‐based platform to: (1) identify priority areas for YA‐specific breast cancer referrals, (2) group priority areas into categories, and (3) rate the importance of referral to delivering high‐value care and the time at which care should be delivered using Likert response scales. Conceptual representations of data were created from multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses. Cluster‐level and item‐level ratings for the importance and timing of priorities were compared.
Results
Forty‐four participants identified 87 items organized into eight domains reflecting priorities for care: mental health , maintaining relationships , education about surgical treatments , complementary treatments, health maintenance , effect on family and employment , financial navigation , and care coordination for treatment‐related adverse effects . Whereas items related to financial navigation and effect on family and employment were rated as needing early attention, mental health and health maintenance services were more appropriate for referral later in treatment.
Conclusions
This stakeholder‐driven framework suggests priorities of care for YAs diagnosed with breast cancer, highlighting both the urgency and importance of specific interventions across the treatment continuum.