Mayo Clinic's Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program is a comprehensive program tailored to meet the needs of people ages 15 to 39 who have been diagnosed with cancer. Our specialists understand that AYA patients encounter challenges extending beyond the medical aspect of care, including fertility concerns, relationship dynamics, school and work considerations, financial implications, and the profound emotional impact a cancer diagnosis can have.
To address the unique needs of each individual, our dedicated team provides expertise in age-specific resources and services. Our multidisciplinary model provides support at every step from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship.
Within the program team, an AYA nurse navigator, social worker and patient navigator collaborate to guide teenagers, young adults, and their families. This team empowers patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions aligned with their treatment plan and life goals.
What to expect
Program offerings include:
- Comprehensive care — Our specialized care team provides an individualized and comprehensive approach to supporting teens and young adults with cancer.
- Fertility preservation — Because some cancer treatments can affect fertility, our team helps patients understand fertility preservation options to ensure that long-term family planning goals are considered and supported.
- Psychosocial support — A cancer journey includes more than just treatment. Our team helps address the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer experience. We promote mental and emotional well-being through counseling services and peer support groups.
- Health insurance, financial and billing — Team members provide dedicated support in navigating insurance, offering financial counseling, and assisting with billing concerns to alleviate the burden and ensure that your focus remains on your health and well-being.
- Integrative medicine and health — Access to our Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine and Health program offers services for physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health and well-being.
- Palliative care — Mayo Clinic palliative care focuses on enhancing quality of life for those facing serious illness by addressing the symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment. The palliative care team adds an extra layer of support and relief that complements ongoing care.
The AYA Cancer Program is part of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. The center provides access to experts in virtually every medical specialty, so our team can treat most conditions associated with cancer. The center also translates the latest research into cutting-edge treatments.
Meet the care team
- Cancer specialists coordinate care and collaborate with specialists to tailor a care plan to each individual's needs.
- AYA program manager provides strategic oversight to ensure a seamless integration of healthcare services in collaboration with the AYA program team.
- AYA social worker provides ongoing emotional support through treatment and survivorship. Support can include counseling, peer connections, psychosocial support and other resources.
- AYA nurse navigator provides medical information and guidance for fertility preservation, helps patients navigate the healthcare system and understand treatment plans, and helps to ensure seamless communication within the medical team.
- AYA patient navigator connects patients with age-appropriate resources based on each individual’s needs. These may include sources of financial support, lodging, transportation and community connections among others.
Integrated care and support
With one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, Mayo Clinic and its AYA program treat and support virtually every type of cancer. We provide a wide array of state-of-the-art cancer procedures and tests to diagnose cancer precisely, the first time. And through robust translational research, we can provide the latest cancer treatments as soon as they become available.
Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work across departments to ensure quality care and successful recovery. See a full list of departments, centers and programs that provide procedures related to cancer.
Learn more about Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.
AYA support programs
Connect with fellow young patients diagnosed with cancer through various AYA support groups and workshops.
AYA Support Group. Open to the public, the AYA support group facilitates various activities to talk about the hard stuff but also have fun and build a community of people who “get it.” Sessions are 6 to 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month and alternate between in-person and virtual.
AYA Survivorship Group. Our AYA Survivorship Group is a 6-week program that provides a safe space for individuals to share experiences, gain insights and learn ways to manage life post-cancer.
Mayo Clinic Connect. Link up with other teens and young adults living with cancer for support, practical information and answers to your questions at the Mayo Clinic Connect AYA Cancer Support Group forum, an online community available 24/7, moderated by Mayo Clinic.
Find other support groups in Arizona and Minnesota.
Clinical trials
Explore innovative treatment options by participating in Mayo Clinic studies specifically designed for teenagers and young adults with cancer. Contribute to advancing research while accessing cutting-edge therapies under the guidance of experienced medical professionals.
Oct. 02, 2024