Support Services at the AYA Oncology Program

Adolescents and young adults with cancer have the same needs as their peers.  They desire to be seen as individuals, yet group acceptance is very important.  They want to have close relationships with friends, to feel that they’re understood, and to plan for a promising future.  Our AYA Oncology Program provides a variety of non-medical services designed to help adolescents and young adults stand up as individuals without standing out because of their disease. Among them are:

• Psychosocial services. Young adult-specific psychiatry and psychology support and therapy are available. Weekly “teen chat” support groups for inpatients and outpatients who live in the area help young adults understand they’re not alone. Coping skills, therapy compliance and life skills training for financial, workplace and relationship issues are emphasized.
• AYA Life Specialists. Activities designed for young adults are available to make their stay more enjoyable.  A collection of age-appropriate (up to PG-13) movies, music, video games, books and magazines is available for use at the hospital, and chaperoned outings are planned.  Emphasis is placed on maintaining the same activities and interests young adult patients enjoy at home.
• Tutoring services. School and homework support helps patients keep current with their studies while undergoing treatment.

Teen Lounge

The Teen Lounge has been designed for hospitalized adolescents (ages 12 and older), including those with cancer, as a space where they can relax in a teen-friendly environment. This room is also considered a medical free zone, where no medical discussions by staff or invasive procedures are allowed. The therapeutic activities and area help to promote normalization, peer interaction, and relaxation for any of our adolescent patients.

 Read about the Medical Services offered through the AYA Program.