Megan O’Neil was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at the age of 30 and later with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) at 36. Once told she was “too young” to have cancer, she’s now passionate about educating and empowering young people to know their bodies, recognize the signs of breast cancer, and advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. Megan has been featured in several national campaigns, including the CDC’s Bring Your Brave initiative, which educates women under 45 about breast cancer.
With more than a decade of survivorship and experience participating in phase I–III clinical trials, Megan often shares her story to help others see clinical trials as a first opportunity—not a last resort—and advocates for stronger collaboration between patients, researchers, and clinicians so that patient voices truly shape the future of cancer care. She serves as a Patient Representative on the Steering Committee of the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI), a public-private partnership co-founded by Duke University and the FDA that works to make clinical trials more efficient, inclusive, and impactful. She has also served as a Consumer Reviewer for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program across multiple grant cycles, bringing the patient perspective to the scientific review process.
A proud member of METAvivor’s Board of Directors, Megan helps advance the organization’s mission to fund stage IV research, strengthen advocacy, and support those living with MBC. She has served as California State Co-Captain for METAvivor’s Groundswell legislative campaign and has advocated in Washington, D.C., through the Stage IV Stampede, pushing for increased cancer funding and legislation that improves the lives of those living with MBC.