Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week, observed April 6–10, 2026, highlights the unique challenges faced by young people diagnosed with cancer during a critical stage of life. It is a time to raise awareness, strengthen advocacy, and recognize the need for more age-specific care, research, and support for adolescents and young adults affected by cancer.
Here are 20 insightful posts you shouldn’t miss from leading experts highlighting key perspectives, research updates, advocacy efforts, and important discussions shared during Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week.
“A cancer diagnosis at 15, 25, or 35 comes with challenges that are uniquely their own. Navigating school, a career, relationships, and identity at the same time deserves care that accounts for all of it.
This AYA Awareness Week, we’re spotlighting the City of Hope Adolescent and Young Adult Program and the support available to patients between the ages of 15 and 39.
No one should have to figure this out alone. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3FHMDSx ”
“Designing and launching a new clinical program in a large medical center takes more than a vision and an understanding of patient and caregiver needs. It requires adaptability, learning the rhythms and culture that make the place unique, and paying attention to the complexity of the system – a balance which is critical in a place like the NIH.
As the first AYA Navigator at the NIH, I’ve had the opportunity to build something new within a very specific and thoughtful structure, one that has challenged me to think creatively about how to educate, advocate and raise awareness in meaningful ways.
This Adolescent and Young Adult Awareness Week, I’m celebrating not only the incredible patients and their caregivers, but also the dedicated NIH staff who care for our AYAs every day. This year, I got back to basics with a celebration with cake, goodie bags, posters and brochures – and with it, a chance to connect face to face and let the staff know they are real AYA champions.”
“AYA Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that cancer care is not one size fits all, especially for adolescents and young adults navigating some of life’s most defining years.
At City of Hope, our AYA program rises to that challenge. We deliver exceptional, age-specific care alongside the community and survivorship support that help young people move forward with strength and purpose.
What makes this work so meaningful is its depth and intention. Every effort is designed around the unique needs of this population, from fertility preservation and academic and career guidance, to peer connection, supportive spaces, and programs that foster belonging and resilience. This is care that recognizes the whole person and supports them from diagnosis through survivorship and beyond.
Across our program, that vision is brought to life through thoughtful, day-to-day work that creates connection, restores identity, and builds community. Grateful for colleagues like Meagan Echevarria, MPH, Estella Barrios, and Davis Wideman who help make this possible.
That spirit comes to life this Saturday at our annual Spring Social, a celebration of resilience, community, and the limitless potential that lies ahead.
The future of AYA oncology is filled with possibility. With growing awareness and a deeply committed team, we are only beginning to reach new heights.”
“In honor of AYA Awareness Week and World Psycho Oncology Day I wanted to share a special video podcast I was honored to work on with my dear AYA colleagues Scott Capozza, PT, DPT, MS, OnCS, Cathy Lee-Miller, MD, and Melody Griffith on bridging the AYA survivorship gap and what care coordination looks like beyond cancer treatment. Hear their stories here
Special thank you to The Ari
“Whether it’s guiding patients through tough decisions or helping them rebuild their lives after treatment, AYA cancer patients require more than just medical care—they need specialized support that acknowledges their age, life stage, and unique challenges. At City of Hope, we are committed to providing this vital support and ensuring these young patients thrive beyond their diagnosis.
As we celebrate AYA Cancer Awareness Week, let’s commit to advocating for and providing the services these patients need to thrive.
zona Clinical Oncology Society, Indiana Oncology Society (IOS) and Wisconsin Association of Hematology and Oncology (WAHO) for providing us with the support to shed light on an important topic that is not nearly discussed enough – life beyond cancer. ”
“Earlier this week I said AYA cancer hits differently. Last week, The The New York Times featured stories of people with cancer under for. It’s absolutely worth the read. Take a look.”
“As we continue recognizing AYA Awareness Week, I want to highlight another incredible organization doing impactful work in the adolescent and young adult cancer space… Triage Cancer
We were fortunate to have their team present at our Passion to Profession Conference, where they shared invaluable insights on navigating the practical and often overwhelming aspects of a cancer diagnosis—health insurance, finances, employment, and more. These are critical topics for AYA patients and survivors as they work to rebuild and move forward in their education and careers.
Grateful for their partnership and the meaningful support they provide to our community.”
” This week is AYA or adolescent and young adult cancer week. AYA cancer is something extremely important to me as I was 27 when I got diagnosed.
The things AYA cancer patients go through that are different than others is vast and covers everything across the board. We also lack resources and research and are forgotten about to often
Remember what it was like to be 15-22 in high school and college or starting work remember what it was like 23-39 careers and families, experiencing life as new adults then try to add cancer into that to get a idea what we all face
Check out Stupid Cancer for all AYA resources and community
Fight Colorectal Cancer Colon Cancer Coalition MAN UP TO CANCER all have AYA resources as well ”
“Jayden’s story reminds us that teens experience cancer at a uniquely formative life stage, with needs that require developmentally appropriate, teen‑specific care. At a time when becoming yourself matters so much, a cancer diagnosis can challenge that sense of identity, making Jayden’s commitment to staying active, connected, and grounded in what brings him joy all the more remarkable.
It’s a privilege to serve as program lead, working closely with Becca Cote and an exceptional multidisciplinary team of clinicians through Teen Cancer Connection, to support teens as whole people. Walking alongside adolescents as they navigate cancer and helping them stay connected to what matters most is at the heart of this work. We are so grateful to Jayden for sharing his strength and insight, and for helping other teens feel less alone.
Jayden’s video: https://lnkd.in/eYAFk-W4”
The Hospital for Sick Children:
“At 16 years old, Jayden was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). What started with fevers, chills and what felt like a bad cold quickly led to a life-changing diagnosis and a transfer to SickKids in the middle of the night earlier this year.
“At first it was really hard,” Jayden says. “I was scared and didn’t know what to expect.”
Since then, hospital stays, chemo cycles and waiting for his blood counts to recover have become commonplace for him — but it hasn’t defined him. Jayden is feeling strong, staying optimistic and finding ways to keep reclaiming what makes him him.
From keeping up with school work as a distraction, to getting cleared by his oncology team to work out again, picking up guitar lessons and staying close with friends and family, Jayden has learned how important it is to do the things that make you feel like yourself, even while in hospital.
Here’s his advice for other teens navigating a cancer diagnosis:
Use the resources around you: At SickKids, there’s Teen Cancer Connection, a unique program that provides tailored support for patients aged 13 and older who are navigating cancer during their teen years. Jayden connected with the Teen Cancer Connection nurse and learned about all the hospital resources available to him — from Marnie’s Lounge, a drop-in activity space, to music therapy.
Keep your friends and family close: Jayden sees his family daily and his friends visit monthly —even while he’s in hospital. And his hospital room is covered with his favourite photos.
Keep doing what makes you happy: For Jayden that’s keeping up with school, staying in touch with friends, working out, going for walks and watching sports — he even got a special visit from the Raptors when they visited SickKids in February!
Build a routine to stay motivated: Even though Jayden is out of regular school, he wakes up every day at 7 a.m., gets in a workout, has breakfast and then has his school lessons with his TDSB teacher at SickKids.
“Being stuck in hospital, you can start to feel like just a patient,” Jayden says. “Talking to friends, staying active and having a routine helps me feel like myself again.”
For Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week, Jayden is sharing his story to raise awareness that cancer can happen to anyone. He hopes his story can help other teens feel less alone and more hopeful about getting back to regular life. ”
“Cancer is never easy — but for adolescents and young adults (AYA), it brings a unique set of emotional, social and developmental challenges.
At City of Hope, our AYA Program ensures that patients ages 15 to 39 never walk that path alone.”
” Our daughter (25) remained “a little” tired last month after a shingles infection in her eye. She didn’t really think the “little” was a bit but a bit (way too) much. After some insistence, she got a referral for blood tests. The same day acute admission followed and she started an intensive (hopefully life-saving) treatment program”
” It’s AYA awareness week. More and more young people and young adults are being diagnosed with cancer.
Five years ago, I also stepped into the cancer rollercoaster myself. Now I use my experience as an experience expert in training at the Toon Hermans Huis in Sittard and together with Saskia Leenders Wolfs I organize peer contact for this “nicest club you don’t want to belong to”
Are you between 18 and 45 years old and touched by cancer? Then we look forward to seeing you on April 18!
Sign up via info@toonhermanshuissittard.nl ”
Ingeborg van ‘t Pad BoschIngeborg van ‘t Pad Bosch:
” Dear network, It’s AYA awareness week this week. Take a moment to reflect on all those young adults who have to deal with cancer and/or the consequences of cancer on a daily basis. And sharing? I would love to! Many thanks in advance!”
“AYA Awareness Week.
More and more young adults are living with and after cancer.
And with that also with the questions that go with it, about work, relationships, future.
This video makes it very clear what that means.
At Maggie’s, we offer support that matches those questions.
At the same time, we see that this group does not always know where to find us.
Thank you Annelot for your openness!
Visibility helps ”
” I am AYA ware even when here. cancer is forever in one way or many .”
” Working alongside Davis Wideman and his team in the AYA Program is always a JOY! I consider myself extremely fortunate to learn and grow from them as they provide absolutely stellar programs and the most compassionate care!”
“Being a young adult with cancer comes with challenges that most people never expect to face. Kayla shares her story as a 33-year-old with cancer — the highs, the lows and everything in between.
Navigating hospitals, developing tools to advocate for yourself and discussing future planning are just a few of the unique challenges adolescents and young adults with cancer face.”
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO):
“The experience of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer is unlike cancer at any other stage of life.
Each year, more than 6,200 Ontarians aged 15–39 are in active cancer treatment while navigating pivotal milestones in their lives. For AYAs, cancer brings distinct medical and financial challenges that can disrupt personal development, affect fertility, sexual health, strain relationships and mental well-being, and shape long-term outcomes.
That’s why AYA cancer care must be different. It requires specialized, age-appropriate approaches that address not just the disease, but the whole person.
Together with eight Ontario hospitals and provincial government partners, we are expanding access to AYA cancer care that will provide fertility supports, counselling, and referrals to expert services, regardless of where adolescents and young adults live.
With support from the Ontario Government | Gouvernement de l’Ontario and the Ministry of Health, this work is strengthening equitable access to high-quality, developmentally-appropriate care for AYAs, supporting their futures during and beyond cancer.
Read POGO’s media release: https://lnkd.in/gfjTJQfa”
Canadian Partnership Against Cancer:
“Partners in Manitoba are working to bridge the gap between fertility preservation and oncology as part of the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncofertility Screening in the Cancer System Initiative led by the Partnership.
Mackenzie Jansen, Clinical Nurse Specialist at CancerCare Manitoba wants healthcare providers to understand the impact this work has. To learn more about other emerging themes from partners working on fertility preservation in their jurisdictions, visit: https://lnkd.in/efZxbu7P ”
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Written by Nare Hovhannisyan,MD