Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program
617-643-9331
Call the AYA Program at 617-643-9331
About this program
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer face unique challenges and have specific needs. Historically, oncology care has been divided between pediatric and older adult patients, creating additional challenges for AYAs as they navigate their cancer care while also balancing mental health, financial wellbeing, educational and career development goals, fertility, and social connection.
The AYA program at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute was established to directly address the unique needs of our AYA population. We are developing clinical and psychosocial frameworks and creating social opportunities to improve the quality of life and outcomes for our patients.
Our mission
Our mission is to empower AYAs throughout their cancer care by fostering a community of patients, caregivers, providers, and advocates. The AYA program was established to provide an integrated model of care to address the multifaceted concerns of our patients.
- Our AYA patients are the foundation of this program.
- Our AYA patients drive the program’s ongoing engagement in research and educational initiatives to identify best clinical care practices.
- Our AYA patients are instrumental in guiding the development of our psychosocial supports and social engagement opportunities.
Through this collaborative and dynamic effort, the AYA program aims to eliminate disparities in cancer care and outcomes of AYAs impacted by cancer.
Our multidisciplinary care model
Our clinical care program is designed to provide a multidisciplinary approach to the care our AYA patients receive. The team includes medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, as well as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists and psychologists with experience caring for AYA patients. Our team provides resources and supports for fertility and sexual health, emotional wellbeing, education, physical health and rehabilitation, nutrition, social support, and spirituality.
FAQs
We are committed to creating a space where patients feel comfortable discussing any of their concerns with their care team. As part of this effort, we have identified providers with AYA expertise throughout the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. Patients can access supportive care resources including social work, psychology, psychiatry, sexual health and fertility, lifestyle medicine, integrative therapies, and parenting guidance.
Our dedicated AYA clinicians and program manager are available to connect you to these resources and answer any questions that you may have over the continuum of your care.
There are several resources and organizations that address the core issues that many AYA patients experience. The following list highlights a few of the resources that are available.
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Clinical Information:
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Comprehensive Information Source:
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Fertility:
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Recreation:
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Scholarship & Financial Support:
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Social Support & Connection: