RAISE THE RATE
Raising Survival Rates
We work as a catalyst to increase awareness and early detection.
Young Adult Cancer Facts & Figures
Here's how cancer impacts a young person's life.
The Diagnosis
Young adults are more susceptible to delayed diagnoses. There is little to no emphasis on prevention and early detection.
"I didn't even know that young people our age could get cancer..."
-Monica (16)The Interruption
Teens and young adults are already faced with numerous pressure filled decisions and challenges ranging from graduating college, starting their career, getting married, buying a home and supporting a family. But every year, roughly 70,000 hear:
"YOU HAVE CANCER."The Treatment
Young adults can receive cancer treatment in a Pediatric Hospital or an Adult Hospital. But they don't belong in either. They have social, medical and psychosocial needs that differ from children and older adults, including:
How their treatment will affect their fertility
How they can continue to support their family
How they'll maintain insurance
How to live with a new normalThe Survival
The end of cancer treatment is the beginning of healing and a new normal. This includes careful long-term follow-up with your medical team and making healthy life choices to remain strong. It is important to be knowledgeable and watchful for potential side effects from your treatment. While physical health is important, emotional and psychological health is essential to full recovery.
Help us advance lifesaving research.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Do You Know These Young Adult Cancer Facts?
Did You Know?
▸ Survival rates for cancer in young adults have not changed much in more than three decades. ▸ Young women are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than young men, but young men and women are equally likely to die of cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer in Young People
Early Detection Saves Lives.
▸ An unusual lump or swelling in the neck, breast, belly, testicle ▸ Unexplained tiredness and loss of energy ▸ Easy bruising, abnormal bleeding or ongoing pain ▸ Fever or illness that doesn’t go away or frequent headaches, often with vomiting ▸ Sudden eye or vision changes, loss of appetite or unplanned weight loss ▸ A new mole or spot on the skin, or one that changes in size, shape, or color
These Things Cause Cancer In Young Adults
Prevention Is Key.
▸ Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or from tanning beds can increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. ▸ Infection with some types of human papilloma virus increase the risk of cervical and other cancers. ▸ Infection with human immunodeficiency virus raises the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and other cancers. ▸ Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for a childhood cancer can increase the risk of a secondary cancer.
Young Adults Cancer Survivors Are At Risk For The Following Late Side Effects
They Call This The "New Normal."
▸ Impaired fertility (ability to have children) in both women and men ▸ Increased risk of developing another cancer later in life ▸ Heart or lung problems (from certain chemo drugs or radiation to the chest) ▸ Hearing or vision problems (from certain chemo drugs or radiation to the head) ▸ Problems with other organs, such as the kidneys or bones ▸ Pain or swelling in parts of the body ▸ Hormone deficiencies
What Can You Do To Lower Your Risk Of Getting Certain Kinds Of Cancer?
Be Proactive.
▸ Not smoking ▸ Limiting time spent in the sun and in tanning salons ▸ Limiting sex partners and using safe sex practices, which can lower the risk of infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ▸ Lowering exposure to risk factors during teenage and young adult years to decrease your risk of getting cancer as you get older.
