#ayacancer
Historically Underserved
The unique challenges and needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer have long been unrecognized and consequently, unmet. No longer children but often, not yet fully independent adults, AYAs are caught in the “great divide” between pediatric and adult medicine. This segment of cancer patients continues to experience serious gaps in age-appropriate, coordinated services and support.
Adolescents & YOung Adults in the U.S. diagnosed with cancer each year
more people are diagnosed in the second 15 years of life than the first
%
Projected increase in cancer for young adults by 2030.
Lives interrupted
“You have cancer.”
This year, nearly 90,000 teens and young adults in the United States will hear the words, “You have cancer.” That’s 1 young person every 6 minutes whose life will be interrupted by this dreaded disease. AYAs have unique challenges which continue to be inadequately addressed, compounding the devastating impact of cancer:
- Isolation
- Loss of independence
- Difficulty with personal relationships
- Mental health struggles
- Fertility/family planning concerns
- Missed education/early career interruption
- Financial toxicity
- Late effects
Changing the Landscape
In the early 2000s, new data showing lagging survival improvement for patients ages 15-39 years spurred long needed action.
A grassroots effort, led by AYA survivors, resulted in the LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance, to which 13thirty Cancer Connect (then known as Melissa’s Living Legacy Teen Cancer Foundation) was invited to be a charter member. This pioneering group and others slowly began changing the landscape of care for AYAs with cancer.
Early-Onset Epidemic
Connect With Us!
The mission of 13thirty Cancer Connect is to help teens and young adults with cancer live their very best lives – TODAY!
Contact Us
(585) 563 – 6221
info@13thirty.org
Centers
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620
1035 7th North Street
Liverpool, NY 13088