Resources

If you would like to learn more about cancer treatment and care for young adults, here are some websites we have found helpful.

 

Treatment Options

Where could a recently-diagnosed young adult turn to for reliable information about cancer treatment options?

The National Cancer Institute’s www.cancer.govmight be a good starting point for detailed information about treatment for a specific type of cancer.  The site provides excellent information about clinical trials including:

  • Some questions to ask a health care provider before entering a clinical trial
  • The risks, benefits, and particular protections associated with patient's enrollment in a clinical trial

www.ClinicalTrials.govis a federally mandated, comprehensive registry of clinical trials put together by the National Institute of Health. It includes both federally and privately funded clinical trials, with detailed criteria and contact information for each trial.

 

Cancer support organizations

Where might a young adult find emotional support in fighting the difficult battle against cancer that lies ahead?

The Lance Armstrong Foundation’s mission is powerful: At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we unite people to fight cancer believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. The foundation’s Website, www.livestrong.org, encourages people of all ages to stay connected in the fight. One-on-one support is provided through the LIVESTRONG® SurvivorCare program. 

Another Website that provides emotional support for young adults with cancer is www.PlanetCancer.org. The support is delivered with humor, as in the site’s welcoming message: Welcome to Planet Cancer, a community of young adults with cancer. We’re glad you’re here. (Well, not really. But you know what we mean.)

 

Fertility Preservation

Where can a young adult find answers to questions and concerns about cancer-related infertility including how, if possible, to preserve fertility prior to beginning treatment for cancer?

Visit www.fertilehope.orgfor help with this important healthcare need.

Fertile Hope is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.

 

Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation

Where can you register to be a bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell donor, giving young adult leukemia patients and many other cancer patients hope for the future?

If you are between the age of age of 18 and 60, visit www.marrow.orgto learn about ways to give through Be the Match Foundation. Be the Match® is the new name for the National Marrow Donor Program®.

 

As we become aware of additional resources regarding adolescent and young adult cancer issues, we will add them to this page.