Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

By Amanda Brunson

1 min read

I want to specifically speak with the adolescent young adults (AYA) dealing with cancer. I find that there are lot of gaps for needs within this specific age group. There's still a lot to learn in order to attack the root of these problems.

AYA cancer survivors face multiple challenges

A big challenge AYA survivors are facing is planning for the future now and not later...deciding to have children. Other issues such as dating, sexual health post treatment, starting careers, life being put on hold, usually being the youngest being treated in the hospitals, feeling delayed in development, growing, and maturing into adults.

I find meeting other young adults dealing with cancer helps tremendously to cope with the issues arising. Especially, when a young person can relate to someone in your age group, who is going through similar trials and tribulations.

What's your biggest worry as an AYA cancer survivor?

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Connie Connely Contributor
Great post, Amanda! On the other end of the spectrum, I was diagnosed with MDS five years ago at the age of 61. I can understand how devastating health issues would be to a young person. And I thought acne was rough! Keep sharing, Amanda! Cancer is exhausting, frustrating, and challenging at any age.
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Connie Connely" user-id="3639405"/> so true cancer is exhausting, frustrating, and challenging at any age😵‍💫🫠💜
Dennis Golden Moderator
I think that a cancer diagnosis knocks the wind out of you regardless of age. Spending time with someone who walked a similar path before you is comforting even when their journey is not identical to your own. I do not know how it happens but it does. Personal experience has confirmed time and time again that after cancer diagnosis people change and often it is for the better. Folks are kinder, have more patience and always appear willing to connect. Thats not so bad no matter how you look at it Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM0
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Dennis Golden" user-id="3641422"/> soooo very true absolutely 💯 🧡
Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
So relatable! Though the disease is similar the journey quite frankly is going to be slightly different for each person. Someone young is going to have a different take, I mean it's your whole life of things, not yet accomplished that's a big deal. My first visit with an oncologist was interesting as a room full of older patients everyone looked at me like what is she doing here? The doctor clearly never had a patient my age at that time so he was even flustered about how to start this conversation. Thank you for sharing this perspective!
1. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/> Yes there are so many, and all that need to be heard. Best!
2. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo" user-id="3647991"/> 🥹🧡
Shane.Lee Moderator
Are you glad we don't live in a society where those who have cancer or something that's classified as a terminal disease, society automatically puts you down like a sick animal because you serve no purpose anymore? That would be horrible!!
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Shane.Lee" user-id="3652668"/> very horrible, i’m always the one to nurse any sick animal back to health even if it has a 2% chance of surviving all I need is that 2% shoot! Even if it was a 0.5% I got something to work with.💞
Ramae Hamrin Moderator & Contributor
The tour of the AYA lounge was very cool, <inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/>! I'm so glad they have that for the AYA cancer community there. I can't imagine being diagnosed as a much younger person, but I was 47 and considered young by most myeloma and cancer standards. At 47, I had quite a few experiences like marriage, divorce and kids behind me but a whole lot in front of me that I didn't want to lose out on. There is no perfect age for cancer (maybe 120), but it definitely helps to relate to others your own age or life situation. A few years ago, I was in a cancer group with 2 other women in their 40's, and sadly both of them have since passed away. Leaving children behind has to be one of the hardest things of all.
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Ramae Hamrin" user-id="3651272"/> 🥹🧡🧡🧡🫂thank you!💗
2. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Dennis Golden" user-id="3641422"/> I totally agree, I am very grateful for where I am today as well. It has definitely not been the easiest road but you both are very right it has also been rewarding as well.
Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
🧡🧡🧡🧡🫂🫂🫂 cancer sucks it’s definitely hard on all age groups. 😔💔
Susan Gonsalves Moderator & Contributor
A cancer diagnosis is devastating at any age but my heart goes out to young people who have to deal with it so early on in their life experience. I'm sure that talking to peers was very helpful. I know the couple of other CML patients I've met have given me reassurance that I'm not alone in my experiences and that is comforting, of course. Susan (Blood-Cancer Team member) 
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Susan Gonsalves" user-id="3653135"/> yes! And totally understand this as well, it has been very comforting especially having to make such adult decisions you would make later down the road but having to deal with them now at a younger age with a small window and time limit. So that later down the road for example fertility, you still have the option if you want to have children or not. unfortunately this
Dennis Golden Moderator
Amanda Brunson Several years ago I lost my 4 year old grandson Julian to cancer. It was a devastating blow for the entire family. As time passed my son decided to start a program called "Joggers for Julian" to both honor Julians memory and also to be part of a national fund raising effort to increase visibility for childhood cancer It is funny how life works at times because opportunities can often arise from tragedy. Over a decade ago my son had no exposure to cancer and its impact on children and their families. Today he serves as Co-Chairman of the Children's Cancer Research fund which since 1981, has contributed over $200 million in research, support programs for children and families, along with awareness and educational outreach. \Given a chance and IF you are willing to remain positive ... YES sometimes lemonade can be made from those tart lemons that life often serves up at the most inopportune times . Dennis (Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)
1. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Dennis Golden" user-id="3641422"/> Wow Dennis! I'm so sorry for yet another loss. I do agree that sometimes opportunities do arise from tragedy and devastation. I too formed my own non-profit in memory of my mother- Mae's Breath Foundation, who lost her quick battle with lung cancer. It becomes quite cathartic to give back while remembering those very special to us.
Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
I think it must be really hard for younger people to be diagnosed with cancer. We never expect our children to get cancer, but it happened to my daughter too. I know how hard it was for her and can only imagine what you’ve been through. I thinks it’s wonderful that you are trying to give support to those going through something similar. Do you live in Florida? I’m planning on visiting Moffit and making it my second source of treatment when in Florida. Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Ann Harper" user-id="3637920"/> yes, I live in Orlando,FL I visit Tampa often 💜 I would love to meet you if you’re up for it💗🥰