In April 2003, Vital Options launched National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week®, and organizations and clinical institutions throughout North America partner to raise awareness about the unique needs of this age group.
Young adults with cancer between their teens and early 40's face unique concerns such as fertility, body image, cognitive function, long-term effects, education, insurance and employment. Young adults with cancer deal with distinctly different issues based on developmental life cycles of their age group, still aspiring to actualize their goals and dreams which many older cancer patients have already achieved. Young adult cancers may also have different biological factors that are now being studied so better treatments can be developed. Cancer centers are establishing young adult cancer programs and young adult oncology is becoming a specialized area of clinical focus.
Peer support for young adults facing cancer and serious illness is often weak and can lead to feelings of isolation. While healthy friends are off living their lives, a cancer diagnosis challenges the natural progression of maturity. College students may find themselves unable to keep up academically, some may lose their sense of independence by having to move home with their parents, and dating and relationships present new challenges. There are additional problems for young adults that are married with small children of their own. Unfortunately, many young adults have no health insurance and are often delayed in their diagnosis, or sometimes not taken seriously as potential cancer patients.
Click here to learn how you can help raise awareness about adolescent and young adult cancer.
Young adults with cancer between their teens and early 40's face unique concerns such as fertility, body image, cognitive function, long-term effects, education, insurance and employment. Young adults with cancer deal with distinctly different issues based on developmental life cycles of their age group, still aspiring to actualize their goals and dreams which many older cancer patients have already achieved. Young adult cancers may also have different biological factors that are now being studied so better treatments can be developed. Cancer centers are establishing young adult cancer programs and young adult oncology is becoming a specialized area of clinical focus.
Peer support for young adults facing cancer and serious illness is often weak and can lead to feelings of isolation. While healthy friends are off living their lives, a cancer diagnosis challenges the natural progression of maturity. College students may find themselves unable to keep up academically, some may lose their sense of independence by having to move home with their parents, and dating and relationships present new challenges. There are additional problems for young adults that are married with small children of their own. Unfortunately, many young adults have no health insurance and are often delayed in their diagnosis, or sometimes not taken seriously as potential cancer patients.
Click here to learn how you can help raise awareness about adolescent and young adult cancer.
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