Adolescents and young adults (ages 15 – 39) with cancer are burdened with challenges unique to their developmental stage and age group. While many people are diagnosed with cancer, young adults with cancer face very different issues from the general adult population and from pediatric cancer patients. They are at a time in their lives when they are mapping out careers, relationships and future plans. They are becoming independent and self-sufficient. A major life-threatening illness can turn their lives upside down. This population also possess unique capacities that, when realized, can help them effectively cope with cancer and thrive, no matter what the outcome may be.

Below is a list of some of the difficult issues faced by young adults affected by cancer:

• Independence vs. dependence
• Living near family support vs. living near peer support
• Inexperience at making major medical decisions
• Inexperience at managing medical treatment
• Dealing with medical professionals
• Maintaining some semblance of “normalcy”
• Health insurance, life insurance and financial issues
• Job security & career planning
• Nutrition and meal preparation
• Fertility
• Dating
• Intimacy
• Relationships
• To tell or not to tell
• Long-term physical and emotional ramifications