Young Adult Cancer Survivorship
A Growing Need:
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates as of January 2000 there were approximately 9.6 million cancer survivors in the United States. Within that number resides the second fastest growing population of cancer survivors in the country, adolescents and young adults. Each year, 70,000 people between the ages of 18-40 are diagnosed with cancer. Currently, more than one in every 900 persons in the United States between the ages of 20 and 45 years of age are survivors of childhood cancer. Cancer is the leading disease killer among 20-39 year-olds. Moreover, the young adult population is the most likely to be uninsured or underinsured - too old for their parents plans and not established in careers with full health benefits.
Young adults and adolescents continue to be challenged with countless issues specific to their demographic making them one of the most underserved populations of people affected by cancer. However, of the more than 400 cancer organizations in the U.S., very few to none focus specifically on cancer survivorship issues faced by young adults and adolescents.
The adolescent and young adult population affected by cancer must face myriad psychosocial challenges. Disruption of school, work and social activities during treatment and recovery are particularly troublesome, leading to a decline in school and work performance, decreased self esteem, and a lesser quality of life.
The Ulman Cancer Fund For Young Adults and it’s network of friends, survivors, and other support organizations in the cancer community, wish to provide a place the young adult population can call home and find support for these growing issues.
For more information on Young Adults and Cancer, visit Articles & Research in Education.
Improving Public Health Strategies for Cancer Survivors:
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults has been instrumental in the development of public health strategies that serve cancer survivors and the young adult population. Participating as the Young Adult voice at both a local and national level, we have participated in the following reports, action plans and working groups:
LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance - The Alliance is bringing together - for the first time - key voices in the cancer community to bring about positive results for young adults with cancer. The Alliance is a coalition of organizations committed to improving the survival rates and quality of life for young adults with cancer between the ages of 15 and 40. The Alliance was formed with the knowledge that unity is strength - working together we can raise awareness and effect positive change for young adults with cancer. Learn more about the LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance
National Action Plan on Cancer Survivorship - This National Action Plan was developed to inform the general public, policy makers, survivors, providers, and others about cancer survivorship and public health.
Read The National Action Plan in full {PDF - 880K}.
Maryland's Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan - In October of 2001, Maryland was awarded a grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop a new statewide Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. The UCFYA Co-chaired the Patient Issues & Cancer Survivorship Chapter. This plan will serve to provide guidance to all local and state organizations in identifying cancer control priorities.
Visit www.marylandcancerplan.org to download and read the plan in full.
Read the Paitent Issues & Cancer Survivorship Chapter in full {PDF - 653K}
President's Cancer Panel Annual Report for 2003-2004 - Living Beyond Cancer : Finding a New Balance
Read the President's Cancer Panel Report in full {PDF - 3.29MB}