Hope and help for teens and young adults battling cancer
By: Intermountain Healthcare
and last updated 2021-05-06 11:30:24-04
Imagine being a teenager in high school busy connecting with your friends, dreaming about the future, and developing your self-identify. Or imagine youâre in your early 20s or 30s; maybe youâre in college or youâve just started your career and family.
Now, imagine being given the news that you have cancer. That can be a traumatic experience for anyone, but it can be particularly difficult for young people.
âAdolescents and young adults, often called AYAs, are patients between the ages of 15-39 whoâve been diagnosed with cancer,â said Dr. Margaret Van Meter, breast medical oncology medical director for Intermountain Healthcare. âA cancer diagnosis presents different challenges for teens and young adults than for younger children or older adults.