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Every year more than 70,000 adolescent and young adults (AYA) are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. The National Cancer Institute defines AYA patients as individuals between the ages of 15 and 39 years. A cancer diagnosis is devastating at any age, but it presents unique challenges for young patients who are also undergoing profound physical, emotional and psychosocial development. 

UC Irvine Healthcare’s young adult cancer program at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center has a large team of multidisciplinary physicians who are highly trained and skilled in servicing this unique group of patients. Because AYA patients straddle the demographic divide between that of children and adults, special attention must be given to them during every aspect of their diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

The Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center has hosted more than 20 educational and informational events for community physicians and patients in recent years to raise awareness and significantly improve medical and psychosocial outcomes for young adults with cancer.