Dana-Farber Resources for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients
Dana-Farber recognizes that the issues facing a young adult with cancer are different from those facing patients who were diagnosed earlier in childhood or later in adulthood. We are developing resources that will leverage the world-class research and patient care resources of the Institute and its collaborators, and are investigating ways to facilitate care, and coordinate research, training and education focused on the young adult patient population.
We want to make sure young adult patients seen in any Dana-Farber clinic are benefiting from all the resources and expertise we have to offer. We will also be organizing many programs for young adult patients that address their unique needs and issues, regardless of where at Dana-Farber they receive their care. Keep your eyes open on this site and on Dana-Farber for upcoming events. For more information, call Karen Albritton, MD, and Cris Waldron, NP, at (617) 632-2545 or e-mail aya_program@dfci.harvard.edu.
"I'm Too Young for This!" Symposium for Young Adult Cancer Patients
April 5, 2008
Mass College of Art, 621 Huntington Avenue, Boston
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Wellness Community will hold a free, full-day symposium addressing the concerns of young adults whose lives have been affected by cancer.
The Keynote speaker will be Kris Carr, director, producer, and author of Crazy Sexy Cancer! A number of Dana-Farber medical professionals will help address issues such as dealing with cancer in college, nutrition, managing emotions, intimacy after cancer, advances in treatment and coping with caregiver issues.
Breakfast and lunch will be served and there will be music by cancer survivors.
For more information or to register, call (617) 332-1919 or visit www.wellnesscommunity.org.
National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week
April 6 - April 12
Join the Dana-Farber Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology program as we educate others about and bring awareness to Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer.
YACAW was began in April 2003 as a way for hospitals and organizations throughout North America to partner to raise awareness about the unique needs of patients age 15-40.
Did you know?
- Almost 67,000 individuals age 15-40 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S.
- Cancer is the #1 disease-related cause of death in 15-40 year olds.
- Dana-Farber sees nearly 2,000 new patients each year age 15-40, half of whom receive ongoing care here.
- Preserving fertility is a major concern for young adults with cancer, but patients may be uinformed or misinformed of facts and options.
- Less than 3 percent of young adult cancer patients enroll in clinical trials — the lowest rates of any age group.
- Young adults who are survivors of pediatric cancer often have trouble transitioning to "adult" systems of health care.
- 75 percent of young adults survive their cancer, but unfortunately there has been no improvement in this average survival rate in the last 25 years.
During the week, come by our information tables in the Dana 1 Lobby or outside the Jimmy Fund Clinic to learn more.