If you are a patient with cancer between the ages of 15-39 we know and understand that your needs are not the same as those patients younger or older.
The University of Michigan Health Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program is a multidisciplinary team made up of , adolescent medicine specialists, adult and pediatric social workers, researchers and others with expertise in supporting adolescents and young adults living with cancer. This includes:
fertility counseling sexual health counseling nutrition counseling social work school and work support psychology art and music therapy pediatric and adult clinical trials peer support
The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC provides advanced care for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15-39 years who are diagnosed with cancer.
Our program, developed with funding and support from Teen Cancer America, is aimed at excelling in the care and support of patients at Children’s National through their cancer diagnosis, treatment, and transition to long-term follow-up and beyond. We understand that teens and young adults with cancer face different obstacles than other young children and older adults. To support AYA cancer patients, the AYA Cancer Program team partners with the patient’s primary oncology to identify areas of patient need and create treatment plans to help achieve the best outcomes for our patients.
During intake, we focus on understanding the unique needs of AYA patients to determine if they are eligible for the following supports: access to clinical trials and pioneering treatments, fertility preservation support, psychosocial support, educational and career plan support, and long-term follow-up care.
The Indiana University AYA Program is focused on addressing how a cancer diagnosis and treatment affects all aspects of young patients’ lives. Most hospitals focus on either pediatric OR adult care for patients with cancer; however, the in-between population has its own specific needs. In an effort to bridge the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care, the Indiana University AYA Program has collaborated with Teen Cancer America to establish an exclusive program designed specifically for to meet the unique needs of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. This innovative program will offer distinct clinical trials and top-notch medical care to address the unique diagnoses, complications, and co-morbidities experienced by AYA patients. In addition, it will offer AYA-specific psychosocial support and guidance in the ares of fertility, education, and insurance. We will partner with AYA patients through survivorship to address any additional concerns that arise in the post-treatment phase.
The Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Program at Tufts Medical Center is dedicated to providing survivorship care to individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer under the age of 40. Long-term follow up care is provided to patients who have completed active cancer treatment, because the impact of cancer doesn’t end when treatment ends. Patients are provided with an individualized Survivorship Care Plan which consists of a comprehensive Treatment Summary and a detailed Care Plan. The Care Plan is a comprehensive chart that is based on treatment received and oncological guidelines. It provides recommended specialty care and/or tests to help monitor and/or manage late effects from treatment. The AYA Cancer Program also has a quarterly e-newsletter, curated resource guide, and FaceBook page to support AYAs in connecting with the AYA cancer community. The team contributes to AYA-related quality-of-life and financial distress research.
Duke Cancer Institute’s Teen and Young Adult Oncology Program (TYAO) provides teen and young adult patients (ages 15 to 29) and their families with support and community during a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Our program is aimed to provide comprehensive medical and psychosocial care that is tailored to unique needs of teen and young adult patients and their families.
The MD Anderson AYA Program is focused on addressing how a cancer diagnosis and treatment affects all aspects of young patients’ lives (coping, relationships, fertility, school/work life, career goals, long-term health, quality of life, etc). At the first clinic visit patients will see a medical provider, social worker, and vocational counselor for thorough discussion and resource linkage. They also have the opportunity to see a nutritionist and be screened by a genetic counselor. The AYA Program also has a support group, young adult advisory council, scholarship program, annual young adult retreat, etc. and partners with Cancer180 on planning social and educational events for AYAs regardless of where treatment was received.
The Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program at Connecticut Children’s provides comprehensive cancer care for adolescents and young adults. We offer state of the art medical care and support for the unique emotional and social needs of patients in this age group. Our AYA Program currently focuses on several objectives including increasing AYA access to clinical trials, a Fertility and Sexual Health Program, comprehensive psychosocial care and community activities providing opportunities to meet and connect with other AYA patients. We collaborate with oncology specialists at local adult hospitals to provide consultation and increase expertise of cancer care for the AYA population.
In December 2018, University Hospital in San Antonio opened one of Texas’ largest adolescent and young adult (AYA) inpatient units, allowing treatment to become very focused and specialized. 
Cancer doesn’t define you; it’s just a piece of your story.
70,000 adolescents and young adults (AYA) between ages 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer yearly in the United States. While cancer outcomes for children and older adults have continued to improve over the last 20 years, the AYA group has lagged behind. AYA patients have a unique set of needs that must be continually addressed as they undergo cancer therapy and follow-up care. Issues related to school, work, childcare, fertility, genetics, sexuality, psychology and financial concerns are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that these needs are met.
A life-threatening diagnosis is a hard pill to swallow, and when it hits just as your life is taking off, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated and scared. However, staying connected to your life, your friends, and your social pursuits can be a powerful weapon on your journey to fight cancer.
During the initial visit, patients will meet with the core team and address the following issues:
Needs assessment in which unmet social, financial, psychological and spiritual needs will be addressed
Discussion of issues related to fertility preservation and sexuality
Discussion and referral to cancer genetics if indicated
Discussion of whether relevant treatment or supportive care clinical trials are appropriate for the patient
Patients will continue to be treated and cared for by their primary oncologist; however, the AYA support team will be there as an adjunct during their time in cancer therapy, and after its completion. We will continue to follow patients periodically throughout their care to address continuing needs or any new needs that may arise.
Like most people between the ages of 15 and 30, you probably have a lot going on in your life—school, your career, relationships or maybe even starting a family. But if you’ve been recently diagnosed with cancer, everything seems to change overnight: Getting healthy becomes the top priority.
Children’s Minnesota’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer program is specifically designed to meet the needs of cancer patients between the ages of 15 to 30.
As one of the leading pediatric cancer hospitals in the nation, we’re experts in treating cancer in young people. And, we also know that your life outside of your diagnosis is important. From diagnosis to recovery and beyond, Children’s Minnesota is here to help you make decisions about your care, fight your disease and address the challenges cancer causes in all areas of your life.
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