Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15-39 are recognized as a population with unique treatment and adjustment needs that require specialized care. AYA patients encounter different, age-related challenges because of the developmental milestones that commonly occur in this stage of life. These may include learning independence, navigating school and degree completion, starting a new career, maintaining relationships and family planning. Cancer impacts all areas of life and often makes this stage of life more complicated and isolating.
Young Adult Cancer Support Services
AYA Social Worker
The James AYA social worker provides personalized assessment, support and connection to resources for AYA patients. The AYA social worker can assist with common challenges such as navigating the health care system, handling financial and insurance concerns, managing disruptions to school and/or work, disclosing diagnosis, coping with parenting concerns, transitioning to survivorship and facing the impact of cancer on body image, relationships, fertility and sexual health. There is no bill/copay for the service. *Talk with your health care team about a referral to the AYA social worker or email AYA@osumc.edu for questions and more information.
Fertility Preservation and Sexual Health
Cancer and cancer treatments can sometimes cause infertility or change your ability to have children. There may be options to protect your ability to continue or start your family, even if you have already started your treatment for cancer. Many young adults also experience changes in sexual health related to a cancer diagnosis. Sexual side effects can be physical, mental or emotional. Our team of experts can provide you with information and support for your family planning and sexual health needs.
Financial Counseling
A James financial counselor can help you understand your insurance benefits and expected costs, and connect you with financial assistance programs.
Genetics
For adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer, meeting with a genetic counselor to discuss the likelihood of a hereditary component to their diagnosis can be beneficial. Genetic testing can help establish why you developed cancer, your risk of developing a second cancer and the likelihood that your relatives could develop cancer.
Programs and Peer Support
JamesCare for Life offers free programs to address the special emotional, social and practical needs of young adults of ages 18-39.
- Young Adult Meet-Ups:These programs focus on building social connections with a community of young adults with cancer. Held at various locations and sporting events in the community, they are open to young adults with cancer and one other support person.
Click on the program title under Upcoming Events at the bottom of this page for detailed information and to register.
The H.O.P.E. Program (Helping Others through Peer Experiences) connects patients and caregivers to someone who has a similar experience with cancer. Young adults representing various cancer diagnoses provide individual peer support. For more information, call 614-293-8771 or email HOPE@osumc.edu.
Palliative Care
The goal of Palliative Care is to enhance your quality of life by improving your physical comfort, preventing or lessening suffering, and providing psychological and spiritual support. Our team includes doctors, advanced practice providers, a psychologist, a pharmacist, a social worker and a chaplain.
Physical Therapy
Cancer and cancer treatment may impact your physical functioning and abilities. Our cancer rehabilitation team provides a comprehensive program that focuses on restoring physical functioning after a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Psychosocial Oncology
Counseling can help you learn healthy ways to respond to the challenges that you may encounter as a young adult with cancer. Our team of psychotherapists and expressive therapists (art and music) are knowledgeable about the impact of cancer on young adults and offer support services to help you manage the stress and emotions that are often experienced with a cancer diagnosis.
Supportive Care Clinic
Cancer survivorship begins the day of your diagnosis and continues throughout your life. As a cancer survivor, you may face lifelong physical and emotional challenges. Our team of experts in the Supportive Care Clinic will help you manage these issues and provide you with information and resources to help improve your quality of life and general well-being.
Our Team
Samantha Hulett, LISW-S
Adolescent and Young Adult Social Worker
Additional Resources
Patient Education
Access easy-to-understand health information to help you participate in your care and achieve a higher level of understanding and sense of control. Educational videos are also available on topics most relevant to cancer survivors.
Internet Resources
These national organizations are a great way to learn more about cancer and resources available to AYA patients.
Social Media
Stay in touch with the OSUCCC – James and issues important for AYA patients on our social networks.
NextGen James Ambassadors
NextGen James Ambassadors are the young professionals’ delegation (ages 21-39) of the James Ambassadors Society who are committed to advancing the mission of the OSUCCC – James. Members include young cancer survivors. For questions, more information or to join contact jamesambassadors@osumc.edu.