Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Program

At the Children's Cancer Hospital at M. D. Anderson, we realize that adolescents and young adults with cancer have unique needs.

That's why we created the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) program, to help young patients and survivors cope with their disease and life after cancer. AYA has comprehensive medical and support services to keep cancer from interfering with normal life. You're only young once--and we want to help our patients get the most out of these important years.

Social Connections

Share Your Experience, Feedback and Ideas

M. D. Anderson has formed an advisory workgroup of young adults. This group meets monthly and works together with staff to enhance the experience of adolescent and young adult cancer patients. 

If you are interested in participating in the workgroup or any AYA subcommittees, contact Sujin or Sandra for more information: sannyi@mdanderson.org or samedina@mdanderson.org.

Join us on Facebook

Become a fan of Young Cancer Connection on Facebook.

Cancer180

Cancer180 is an Anderson Network program that coordinates social outings where young adult patients, survivors, caregivers, family and friends in their 20s and 30s can connect with other young adults affected by cancer. 

Next outing: Cancer180's Bowl-a-Rama
February 20, 2010
More details.

Conferences/Educational Workshops

M. D. Anderson has conferences or workshops periodically to provide educational resources and information to AYA patients, caregivers and health care professionals. Mark your calendars:

"Adolescents and Young Adults: Cancer Treatment for the Facebook Generation"
Teamwork in Pediatric Practice Transdisciplinary Rounds
February 16, 2010
11 a.m. - Noon and 1 - 2 p.m.
Rotary House, RH1.202

Rise to Action Conference - Houston
April 10, 2010
All day event
M. D. Anderson South Campus
Practical information for AYA patients, survivors and caregivers. More details to follow.

Medical Care

Treatments for younger children and older adults are not always appropriate for adolescents. At the Children's Cancer Hospital, teens and young adults receive specialized patient care, designed to treat cancer aggressively while minimizing the long-term effects. Patients will have access to the most current therapies and clinical trials to test new treatments.

Services Include:

• The latest anti-cancer therapies for malignant diseases
• Innovative surgical techniques to preserve normal function and appearance
• Outpatient treatments to minimize hospital stays and keep patients active
• A team of medical specialists to manage any medical problems
• Sexuality and fertility counseling, including sperm banking
• Adolescent and young adult lounge, library and recreational center (9th floor, Alkek Building)

For more information on AYA medical care, contact:
Anna Franklin, M.D., Medical Director
Adolescent & Young Adult Program
(713) 792-6620

Psychosocial Care

With adolescents and young adults, treating cancer is only half of the equation. This is a time when they are enjoying friendships, making educational decisions, choosing careers and starting families. We provide a complete network of support services to help all AYA patients at M. D. Anderson get on with their lives and leave cancer in the past.

Services Include:

• Life skills training for financial, workplace and relationship issues
• Support groups - teen group, AYA Gathering, Young Adult group and AYA Survivors
• Education program - offering instruction, tutoring, college planning and more
• Special events such as summer camps, ski trips and other social activities
• Counseling and psychotherapy
• Adolescent life specialists who can help patients take control of their lives
• Kim's Place- a special hangout place just for AYA patients and visitors

For more information on AYA psychosocial services, contact:
Martha Askins, Ph.D., Psychosocial Director
Adolescent & Young Adult Program
(713) 794-4467