Each year, the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium^® features a robust scientific program and opportunities to connect with others who are dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, treating, and eventually curing breast cancer.

Two veteran attendees—a clinician and a patient advocate—shared their reasons for attending SABCS^® and offered tips for getting the most out of this international gathering.

Vernal Branch serves on the SABCS Program Planning Committee and has been attending the symposium for more than 20 years. A breast cancer survivor and advocate with extensive experience and training, she has been a reviewer and chair for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program and the California Breast Cancer Research Program. During SABCS 2025, she will serve as a panelist for Clinical Workshop 1: Risk Assessment and Management in Young Women on Tuesday, December 9, at 12:45 p.m.

Yara Abdou, MD, MSCR, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Program Leader at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. She has attended SABCS for nine consecutive years, going back to her time in medical training, and at SABCS 2025, she will speak during Special Session 3: Breast Cancer in Young Women: Biology, Treatment, and Ethics on Tuesday, December 9, at 11 a.m.

How have the personal and professional connections formed at SABCS helped you grow in your advocacy?

Branch: Because this is the first place that made room for advocacy, it empowered me to establish long-term relationships with cancer professionals. This experience in attending SABCS has given me the outlet to learn and enhance my knowledge of breast cancer, and also to network with clinicians, industry, and other advocates.

How has attending SABCS enriched your career at different stages?

Dr. Abdou: As a trainee, SABCS gave me the opportunity to learn directly from leaders in the field and stay at the forefront of advances in breast cancer. Early in my faculty career, it became a platform to showcase my own research, build visibility, and connect with collaborators. Now, it has evolved into a space where I can also mentor junior colleagues, contribute to discussions shaping the field, and help drive the agenda for breast cancer research and care.

What is your single, most memorable experience from all the years you have attended SABCS?

Branch: I have had many, but the most important was having a poster accepted for work that I participated in at University of Virginia.

Dr. Abdou: In 2022, I had the privilege of presenting our research study on racial disparities in the RxPONDER trial as an oral presentation in the very first general session. The enthusiasm of the audience was remarkable—the hall was full despite it being the opening morning of the conference. It was an honor to share our work on such an important stage, and the attention and press coverage helped us disseminate findings to the right audience.

What is your advice for other patient advocates on getting the most out of SABCS?

Branch: Don’t worry so much about what you don’t understand. Write down questions, and you can ask them and get answers at the Alamo Advocate Program Hot Topics sessions.

What is your advice on finding the right balance between attending sessions and making time for the informal events and opportunities during the day?

Dr. Abdou: It’s important to plan your “must-attend” sessions in advance but also leave room for flexibility. Some of the most impactful discussions happen in the hallways, poster sessions, or over coffee with colleagues. I’d recommend setting priorities but also being open to those spontaneous interactions that often spark new collaborations.

Any tips to help others plan for December weather in south-central Texas?

Branch: Dress in layers, because the weather changes at the drop of a hat in San Antonio. Bring a jacket for inside the convention center, which is typically cold, and wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking.

Dr. Abdou: The weather is usually quite pleasant, but it can get chilly in the evenings. I always recommend bringing a light sweater or jacket for nighttime.

Session titles, times, and locations are subject to change. For the most up-to-date SABCS program information, please visit the Program page at SABCS.org.