The Adolescent/Young Adult Oncology (AYAO) Program
The Adolescent/Young Adult Oncology (AYAO) Program
Advanced cancer care focused on teens and young adults
The Adolescent/Young Adult Oncology (AYAO) Program
Advanced cancer care focused on teens and young adults
Meet the care team
Treatments & Services
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A cancer diagnosis can disrupt the course of anyone’s life. But cancer can be especially challenging when you’re exploring who you are and what you want for your future. At Children’s Health℠, you’re not alone. Our expert team supports adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer.
Our AYA oncology program offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical care and support services focused on adolescents and young adults (ages 15 and older). We tailor our care to each person’s life stage, whether they’re in high school or college – or starting a career or a family.
In our AYA cancer program, you’ll receive the most up-to-date cancer care available, from leading pediatric oncologists. We follow guidelines that are proven to lead to better outcomes than guidelines at adult-only programs. However, we also closely collaborate with UTSW and Parkland adult oncology teams.
You’ll also benefit from a team of psychosocial experts that include psychologists, social workers, music therapists and child life specialists, to name a few. Together, we help you cope with treatment and symptoms and find peer support and connection – so you can continue to pursue your goals and dreams.
Cancer care based on state-of-the-art research and clinical trials
Research shows that young adults who receive cancer treatment using pediatric care guidelines have better survival rates than those who receive treatment under adult guidelines. At Children’s Health, our AYAO providers have expertise and experience using these guidelines. We specialize in pediatric cancers: Recognizing the unique needs of teens and young adults, we focus on tailoring care especially for people in this age group.
Our world-class AYA cancer care includes:
State-of-the-art oncology care: You’ll receive world class cancer care that include state-of-the-art oncology treatments
Supportive care: You’ll also receive excellent supportive medical care that includes symptom management, such as nausea/vomiting, infection prevention, and access to all subspecialists available at Children’s Health
Cutting-edge research and clinical trials : We partner with the Children’s Oncology Group network. This network helps bring clinical trials to more teens and young adults with cancer. Our strong partnership with UT Southwestern and Parkland gives you access to additional treatments and clinical trials, which aren’t widely available. Many of our doctors and providers are nationally recognized oncology experts. They conduct research to advance the standards of cancer care.
Immunotherapy: We’re leaders in bringing a type of immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy to people with leukemia and other cancers.
Fertility preservation: Cancer treatment can affect a person’s ability to have a family later in life. Our fertility specialists work with you and your family to discuss options for preserving fertility before treatment begins.
Sexual health care: Our program includes sexual health education for everyone. It also includes access to reproductive health through ourAYA medicine program.
Cancer survivorship program:After treatment, we help you understand how cancer might affect your health later in life. We also help you easily transition to care after you “graduate” from our program.
Whole-person cancer care from many specialists
Care at our AYA oncology program includes state-of-the-art cancer treatments. It also includes care for who a young adult is and aspires to be – beyond a cancer diagnosis. Through our AYA cancer program, you get care and support from a whole team of experts. We regularly discuss how you’re doing and what might help you most.
Your AYA oncology care team includes providers who help young adults manage psychosocial (psychological and social) needs. We also offer services and programs that support psychosocial well-being. You may benefit from one or more of these services and providers, including:
Pediatric psychologists: These specialists help you sort through image, identity and relationship challenges. They also help with mood issues and pain management. They can also help you identify the best ways for friends and family to provide support.
Social workers: The Social Work team is an added layer of support and helps find the resources our AYAs and their families need. Our services include crisis intervention, assistance with adapting to diagnosis and admissions, individual and family counseling, financial and lodging assistance, and referrals to appropriate community resources and programs.
Music therapists: These clinicians bring the healing power of music into the hospital. Individual music therapy is tailored to each AYA to best support their unique needs and provide space for creativity. Music therapists also organize monthly groups for AYA patients to connect through musical experiences.
Child life specialists: These highly trained specialists translate medical jargon into clear, simple terms. They also help you cope with an upcoming procedure by helping you know exactly what to expect. They will help you determine what helps you cope and what you need to be successful during your care by advocating alongside you..
Spiritual care: Our chaplains offer a variety of spiritual support for you and your family. This support includes counseling, prayer, sacred play, blessings and worship services.
School services: Our dedicated school services team consists of experienced certified teachers, referred to as Educational Specialists, who act as a bridge between the educational system and the hospital. We work hand in hand with you, your family, educators, and other vital services to create a tailored post-graduation plan that reflects your individual needs, regardless of the path you decide to take.
Retreats at Camp Esperanza: If you’re over 13 and in high school, you can participate in our no-cost, weekend-long camps. Camp is a place where you can connect with peers with similar experiences while participating in a variety of activities including archery, sports, fishing, arts and crafts, cooking, science, and ropes courses.
Supporting the unique needs of teens and young adults
Finding the balance between supporting a young adult’s care and their need for privacy and independence is not always easy. We take the time to get to know you and your family so we can best support you – individually and as a family. Some young adults with cancer want to make their own decisions about health care, school or work. Others prefer to have their parents or partners involved in those decisions.
Our team has a lot of experience working with teens, young adults and families from all backgrounds and cultures. We provide individualized support to help everyone feel seen and heard. We’ll help you communicate better about your needs, feelings and preferences. These skills can benefit you and your family now – and beyond cancer treatment.
Our AYA specialists understand that teens’ needs and preferences are not the same as those of younger children. That’s one of the reasons we created Carson’s Corner, a gathering space in our hospital designed especially for AYA patients. We also ask for feedback about how to improve our AYA care. And we invite you to be part of our Family Advisor Network.
AYA-specific cancer resources
We understand how cancer is a life-changing disease. That’s why we offer young adults resources that speak to them, in terms that ring true for them. These resources include:
Peer support and mentoring for teens and young adults with cancer
Going through cancer as a teen or young adult can feel isolating. Through local programs, we help young adults connect, so they can support one another and be part of a group. We’ll help you create a strong social support network through programs that include: