About Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer
Adolescents and young adults (AYA) typically refers to patients 15 to 39 years old.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that cancer is a leading cause of disease-related death for this age group.2 This health awareness campaign can help your organization implement evidence-based practices when communicating about AYA cancer.
Data and Statistics
Over 89,000 AYA individuals are diagnosed with cancer every year in the United States.3 Based on available data, AYA cancer cases account for an estimated 4.5% of new cancer cases.4 Approximately 85.5% of AYA patients with cancer will survive five or more years after diagnosis—the highest survival percentage among all age brackets. AYA cancer survivors may also experience unique health risks later in life, such as elevated risk of cardiomyopathy, stroke, premature ovarian failure, and higher risk of hearing loss for patients whose treatments included radiation therapy to the head.5
Best Practices for Communicating About AYA Cancer
Communicating with Diverse Audiences
Disparities in cancer risk factors and outcomes among the general population are also persistent among AYA cancer survivors. AYA survivors, and the diverse audiences they represent, also benefit from strategies to address the specific needs of their communities, such as improving access to healthier built environments and access to health care.
Communication-related issues may also play a role in cancer disparities.19 Consider the information most useful to each diverse group (see below for specific messaging). Tailor communication to these populations of focus with messages that also address conditions where these communities live, learn, work and play, as these social determinants of health can impact a wide range of health risks and outcomes.20 To ensure messages resonate with the coalition’s intended audience, we also recommend referring to the National Networks’ existing resources and adapting messages to reflect individuals with lived experiences.
AYA Cancer Messages and Graphics
Download All Messages and Graphics How to Post on Social Media
Topics | Suggested Images |
---|---|
Topic: PSE Interventions to Increase HPV Vaccinations Keeping up with PSE interventions can help your state coalition members reach vulnerable demographics. In this example by Sanford Health, we learn how phone-calls can help increase HPV vaccination rates among AYAs. https://bit.ly/3DwouKX #cctaya #ayacancer #hpv | |
Topic: Supplying resources for financial assistance for AI/AN AYAs #DidYouKnow that American Indians and Alaska Natives from federally recognized tribes can access special coverage options, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program for AYAs 19 and younger? https://bit.ly/3l1Ehei #cctaya #ayacancer #aian | |
Topic: Using a community engagement model to develop education for Latinx AYA cancer survivors In this first-of-its-kind study, researchers used a CBPR model to develop culturally-specific education for Latinx AYAs in cancer survivorship. Learn more about this approach at https://bit.ly/3YnsZQq #cctaya #ayacancer #latinxcancer | |
Topic: Encouraging providers to share return-to-work resources with cancer survivors Finding employment and rejoining the workforce is one of the most common concerns for cancer survivors between 18-25. Fortunately, the Cancer Legal Resource Center can ease a return to work by helping AYA patients understand their legal rights. https://bit.ly/3Ynsd5B #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Intervention-based programs to support AYA patients and their caregivers Facilitated family discussions can help young patients with cancer and their caregivers make more informed care decisions. The National Cancer Institute’s FACE-TC program provides objectives and steps for conducting three such interventions with AYAs. https://bit.ly/3HxwXhV #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Awareness of Black AYA underrepresentation in clinical data Despite experiencing higher incidences of cancer than Black children and Black adults, Black AYAs are least likely to enroll in clinical trials. State coalition members can help address racial disparities by engaging Black patients aged 20-29 in ongoing studies. #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Interventions to reduce barriers for AYAs of lower SES When AYAs and their caretakers encounter structural barriers to care, they are less likely to seek and receive help. The CDC-recommended interventions like transportation assistance and flexible hours to assist patients with financial needs: https://bit.ly/3E7BTt5 #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Reaching rural AYAs via telehealth Shifts in telehealth trends during COVID-19 showed that virtual visits increase access and quality of care for adolescent patients. Using telehealth models can help state coalition members reach rurally located AYAs. https://bit.ly/3Il42PR #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Effective intervention tactics for Latinx AYAs in survivorship Wondering how to reach Latinx AYAs? This study found that photonovelas—visual guides similar to comic books—increased engagement in survivorship care among this population and their families. https://bit.ly/40QrprT #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Caring for AI/AN AYAs in mind, body, and spirit In addition to physical and mental care, American Indians and Alaska Natives with cancer may need spiritual care, too. These videos and discussion guides from Indian Health Services can help you understand and consider unique needs and stressors for AI/AN patients of all ages. https://bit.ly/3Hn7zLW #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Sharing resources with young cancer survivors and their families From uncertainty about school and employment to anxiety over future health issues, survivorship can bring up a lot of questions for adolescent patients and their families. The National Children’s Cancer Society offers programs and tools that can help survivors live happy, worry-free lives. https://bit.ly/3Hxtvnt #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Helping providers talk with AYA parents about HPV vaccines Talking about the HPV vaccine with parents of young patients is vital to reducing the risks of certain cancers. However, these conversations aren’t always easy for physicians to navigate. These resources from the CDC can guide you through these discussions and includes materials you can give parents. https://bit.ly/3Rt5jY4 #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Communicate fertility risks to female AYAs with cancer For AYA women facing cancer treatments that could affect fertility, timing is key. Delays in communicating fertility preservation information to patients could result in rushed decision making and/or delayed cancer treatments. Be sure to communicate risks and refer patients to fertility experts as soon as possible. https://bit.ly/40qgRQ0 #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Making providers aware of unique needs/hardships for LGBTQ AYAs #DidYouKnow that LGBTQ AYAs with cancer experience greater financial strain than other AYAs? Resources like the National LGBT Cancer Network can link these patients with resources for both financial and community support. https://bit.ly/3XnM3wk #cctaya #ayacancer #lgbtcancer | |
Topic: Making AANHPI people aware of common health issues AANHPI adolescents are underrepresented in cancer research, but we know that lung cancer is common among this racial demographic—even if they’ve never smoked. Talk to your doctor about routine screenings and resources to help you quit smoking. #AANHPI #cctaya #ayacancer | |
Topic: Connecting LGBTQ+ survivors with peer support groups Are you an #LGBTQ adolescent or young adult (AYA) cancer survivor in need of queer-specific support and guidance? Escape offers free virtual meetups where you can share your experience and hear from other queer AYAs. https://bit.ly/3Xm0xgq #cctaya #ayacancer #lgbtcancer |
Download All Messages and Graphics How to Post on Social Media
How to Post on Social Media
Start by downloading the ZIP file above. Then double click the downloaded file to unzip and open the folder. Inside, you’ll find three CSV files.
- Messaging.csv contains captions for all messages in the toolkit, organized by topic.
- Bulk – Instagram.csv contains captions for all Instagram messages, along with graphics URLs that can be used to bulk schedule both text and images.
- Bulk – LinkedIn-Facebook-Twitter.csv contains captions for all LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter messages, along with graphics URLs that can be used to bulk schedule both text and images.
Inside the main folder, you’ll also see two sub-folders containing the messaging graphics for all major platforms. The first folder contains rectangular images suited for use on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The second folder contains square images suited for Instagram.
Select your platform below for additional instructions.
AYA Cancer Resources
Resource | Description |
---|---|
Expect Miracles Foundation | Providing financial services and assistance to young adults who are struggling with living expenses and cancer-related financial burdens. |
The National Children’s Cancer Society | Providing information during and after treatment, financial support, scholarship resources, survivor stories, and more. |
Ulman Foundation | A community of support for young adult patients with cancer and survivors. |
Stupid Cancer | Addressing feelings of isolation and helplessness for AYA patients with cancer and survivors through community building, support, and socially responsive programming. |
YA Cancer Connection | Networking and peer support for AYAs during and after cancer. |
Cancer for College | Providing college scholarships to cancer survivors. |
National LGBT Cancer Network | Improving the lives of cancer survivors through advocacy, education, and training. |
CoppaFeel! | Offering support, guidance, and education for transgender and non-binary people with breast cancer. |
Health Care Coverage for American Indians & Alaska Natives | HealthCare.gov information and resources for AI/AN patients of all ages. |
Livestrong Fertility | Helping cancer survivors navigate fertility preservation with information, resources, and reduced-cost preservation options. |
Children’s Oncology Group | An organization dedicated to engaging children and adolescents in relevant clinical trials to improve patient outcomes and expand cancer research. |
Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer (NCI) | Providing information about types of cancers, treatment choices, coping and support resources, survivorship care planning, end-of-life care decisions, and more. |
References
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- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). 10 Leading Causes of Death by Age Group, United States 2015. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/pdf/leading_causes_of_death_by_age_group_2015-a.pdf
- National Cancer Institute. (2020). Adolescents and young adults with cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/aya
- National Cancer Institute. (2022). SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Cancer Among Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs). Bethesda, MD, https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/aya.html
- Chao C, Bhatia S, Xu L, Cannavale KL, Wong FL, Huang PS, Cooper R, Armenian SH. Chronic Comorbidities Among Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Sep 20;38(27):3161-3174. doi: 10.1200/JCO.20.00722. Epub 2020 Jul 16. PMID: 32673152; PMCID: PMC7499612.
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