Adolescents & Young Adults

Adolescents & Young Adults

What does AYA stand for?

AYA stands for Adolescents and Young Adults.

Our AYA Program is for those ages 15-39 years old. The AYAs we support are those who have a cancer diagnosis themselves, are grieving the loss of a loved one, or who have a family member or friend with a cancer diagnosis.

Did You Know?

  • AYAs are often grouped with younger or older patient populations, which masks important differences in cancer distribution, tumor biology, and survivorship.
  • AYAs are more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage because of both delays in diagnosis due to the rarity of cancer in this age group and higher uninsured rates and higher prevalence of aggressive disease.
  • AYA patients also have a high risk of long-term and late effects, including infertility, sexual dysfunction, heart problems, and future cancers.
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Cactus Cancer Society

Cactus Cancer Society is an innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, ages 18-45. We encourage, empower, and connect a diverse and growing community of YAs around the world, 24/7.
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Elephants & Tea

Elephant and Tea’s mission is to help adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, survivors, and caregivers know they are not alone in their experience with cancer. The Elephant in the room is cancer. Tea is the relief conversation provides. They are the only magazine written for and by the AYA cancer community telling their story in their own words.
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The Dinner Party

The Dinner Party is building a community of 21-45-year-olds who have each experienced significant loss.

More AYA Orgs We Love

One of our main goals at Gilda’s Club is to find you the support you need to fit your individual experience. If we aren’t able to meet all of your needs in house, we love connecting you to other organizations doing the important work of supporting AYAs so we can meet those needs together. Still don’t see what you are looking for? Click below and send us an email. Our AYA Specialist, Megan, will help find you what you need!

Let Us Know

What do you wish people knew about being an AYA?

AYA Programming is Generously Supported By