Adolescents & Young Adults: people w/ a cancer diagnosis ages 15 - 39.
Adolescents & Young Adults: people w/ a cancer diagnosis ages 15 - 39.
The Cancer Treatment Team
Medical Oncologist or Hematologist
Medical Oncologist or Hematologist
Medical Oncologist or Hematologist
Oncologists and Hematologists are cancer doctors...they are the cancer experts who specialize in the systemic treatment of cancer. Having an oncologist or hematologist with experience treating AYA patients is important. Seek out one who has cared for young people between 15 - 39 in either the pediatric or adults healthcare settings.
Navigator
Medical Oncologist or Hematologist
Medical Oncologist or Hematologist
Navigators have different titles, Nurse Navigator, Patient Navigator, but what they all do is help you get through the often complex treatment process and help you get through issues or concerns you may encounter on the way. They help to coordinate your care. Ask if your cancer treatment site has one or look to community organizations who may offer the services of a navigator.
Surgeon
Medical Oncologist or Hematologist
Social Worker
A surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in surgeries. A surgeon who focuses only on surgery to address cancer or even specific types of cancer is known as a surgical oncologist. They manage patients through complex operations and have expertise for what surgical procedure is best.
Social Worker
Primary Care Provider
Social Worker
Social Workers in oncology address all of the complex needs a person with cancer typically encounters. They are experts in helping provide care and resources as cancer is complicated and affects those diagnosed for life. Be pro-active and reach out to a social worker before a problem arises.
Primary Care Provider
Primary Care Provider
Primary Care Provider
A primary care provider (or PCP) is a trained medical professional that can help you manage your health and well- being over time and source for routine / preventive health care.
Having a PCP that is interested and knowledgeable with who you are, the type of cancer you were diagnosed with and how it was treated is optimal.
PCPs can work wit
A primary care provider (or PCP) is a trained medical professional that can help you manage your health and well- being over time and source for routine / preventive health care.
Having a PCP that is interested and knowledgeable with who you are, the type of cancer you were diagnosed with and how it was treated is optimal.
PCPs can work with you and your cancer care team to manage potential short and long-term effects from cancer and its treatment.
Radiation Oncologist
Primary Care Provider
Primary Care Provider
A Radiation Oncologist, Rad Onc for short, is a medical doctor who treats cancer by prescribing and planing radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can be used as the first treatment to shrink tumors or used later in the care process after surgery, before, after or along side chemotherapy.
Psycho/Social Professional
Psycho/Social Professional
Psycho/Social Professional
There are a number of different types of medial professionals who can help with the thoughts and feelings one may experience as a result of being diagnosed and treated for cancer. Care can be provided by a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, therapist, social worker, chaplain, or other medical provider who understands this struggle, has the experience to help you cope.
Financial Navigator
Psycho/Social Professional
Psycho/Social Professional
A financial navigator helps with the process of paying for your care. They provide support and knowledge to help you manage the cost of your care and how that affects your life. They can guide you to better understand your health insurance coverage and help find resources to aid with your financial concerns.
You the Patient
Psycho/Social Professional
You the Patient
You are the expert on you, what matters to you, what you want and don't want, and what you value as being important. Speak Up!
Connecting to other AYAs
Connecting to Other AYAs
There are many reasons you may want to consider reaching out to other AYAs. You may be the only one your age being cared for at your treatment site. You might want to know more about what you are facing from those who have gone through this before you. You may be lonely and just need someone to listen or have a conversation with who gets it.
There is a way to connect for most every individuals preference. See this resource for a few options.
Fertility Preservation
Why this matters now.
Cancer treatment can affect your ability to have children in the future. Ask about preserving your ovarian or testicle tissue before treatment starts.