Increasing need for specialized cancer care for adolescents and young adults
Age 15-39
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer as people who are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39. Patients within this population don’t fit well into traditional categories because they have distinct biology, clinical outcomes and psychosocial needs.
89,500
Number of AYAs diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year, according to the NCI.
30%
Despite a 30% rise in cancer incidence in this population from 1973 to 2015, many treatment programs still don’t include necessary support tailored to AYAs.
"Having cancer when you’re 22 is not the same as having it when you’re 70. We need to acknowledge that the needs are different in order to get the best possible outcomes." Allison C. Rosenthal, D.O., Hematology and Oncology at Mayo Clinic's campus in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
The AYA cancer experience
- 30% experience severe or life-threatening conditions.
- 23% have three or more chronic health conditions.
- 83% to 86% — Five-year survival for all cancers combined.
A majority of AYAs with cancer need age-appropriate support as they get older.
Research shows five areas of excellence for an AYA cancer program:
- Fertility counseling
- Clinical trial access
- Psychosocial support
- Transition to survivorship services
- Financial counseling and navigating health insurance
Tailored support for AYAs
Treating AYAs with cancer can be challenging. But utilizing the appropriate resources can help. Remember to take a well-rounded approach that considers your patients’ unique needs and connects them with support that is specific to AYAs.
Refer a patient
You can refer patients to Mayo Clinic securely online using the CareLink referral portal at CareLink.MayoClinic.org. To refer over the phone, contact your Mayo Clinic location.
- Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona: 866-629-6362
- Rochester, Minnesota: 800-533-1564
- Jacksonville, Florida: 800-634-1417
For more information
- Scott AR, et al. Trends in cancer incidence in US adolescents and young adults, 1973-2015. JAMA Network Open. 2020;3:e2027738.
- Miller KD, et al. Cancer statistics for adolescents and young adults, 2020. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2020;70:443.
- Oeffinger KC, et al. Chronic health conditions in the adult survivors of childhood cancer. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;355:1572.
- Reed D, et al. Creating an adolescent and young adult cancer program: Lessons learned from pediatric and adult oncology practices bases. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. 2014;12:1409.