Adolescents and Young Adults
Ages 15 to 39
The Young Adult Toolkit is a handbook of information and resources for young adult patients. You may pick up printed copies in the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center or download your copy below.
As an adolescent or young adult, you're probably concerned about how your cancer diagnosis and treatment will impact your body and other aspects of your life, such as relationships, finances, and school or a career.
At City of Hope, we know adolescents and young adults (AYAs) ages 15 to 39 have unique needs. That's why we offer medical care, psychosocial support and resources designed to help AYAs flourish from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Interventions for younger children and older adults are not always appropriate for adolescents and young adults. Therefore, we offer AYA-specific medical care designed to treat cancer aggressively while minimizing the long-term effects.
At City of Hope, you will have access to:
- The most current cancer therapies and treatments
- An AYA inpatient lounge, where young adults can relax, play video games or watch movies while they're in the hospital
- Outpatient treatments to minimize hospital stays
- Clinical trials
- Referrals for fertility preservation
With a patient population that spans all ages, City of Hope is uniquely positioned to treat AYAs from diagnosis through adulthood, enabling you to stay with a team and a hospital you know and trust.
This six-week class is run two to three times each year by the AYA team. Visit our Facebook page for more details, as the group is usually advertised there when it’s approaching. If you're at our Duarte campus, you can also visit the AYA section in the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center to see if a flyer is available for the next round of groups.
City of Hope has an Academic Advocacy Program at City of Hope that provides educational advocacy for patients during and after cancer treatment, including the pretreatment phase. This can include obtaining modifications in school, assisting with withdrawal or deferment of college courses, facilitating home teaching or independent study, and counseling related to educational options, school re-entry, and psychosocial adjustment in the school, college or university setting.
There is a section of the Biller Patient and Family Resource Center that is dedicated to AYA information and resources, including upcoming events and groups at City of Hope. Check it out for upcoming opportunities for peer interaction!
Talk to your health care team about what matters most to you. It is important to talk openly and honestly with your doctor about your wishes and plans for your life after treatment and even before treatment. When it comes to fertility, it is especially important to start taking steps early to know and understand important factors that will need to be considered to decide what is best for you and your care.
Download the "Fertility Risks Related to Cancer Treatment: What Are My Options and How Can I Plan for the Future?" below.
Enrolling now! Please email for more information.
ConnectU is a peer-matching program that can connect you to another AYA patient at City of Hope. Enrollment takes place a few times during the year. Once enrolled, our team pairs you with another patient, and you can talk to this same-age peer about life during or after treatment. Email aya@coh.org for more information or to start the enrollment process.
Sex and sexuality are important and rewarding parts of life. Cancer and its treatment — including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation — can cause emotional and physical changes that affect how you feel about yourself and your relationships.
Join us on social media! COH_AYA
Stupid Cancer
Stupid Cancer is a nonprofit organization that empowers young adults affected by cancer through innovative and award-winning programs and services. It is a go-to hub for resources, support, education, peer-to-peer connection and advocacy.
HRC Fertility
866-472-4483
HRC Fertility is one of the largest providers of advanced fertility treatments in the United States. They offer fertility testing and a wide range of reproductive treatments. They have offices in Encino, Fullerton, Laguna Hills, Newport Beach, Oceanside, Pasadena, Westlake Village, and West Los Angeles.
Cancer and Careers
A resource on cancer in the workplace, Cancer and Careers has tips for interviewing, what your employer can and can’t do, and fashion and beauty, as well as career coaches to help you through work-related transitions.
First Descents
970-926-2444
First Descents offers young adults free outdoor adventure experiences designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others along the way.
GRYT Health
844-487-4798
GRYT Health is an award-winning, mobile app-based social community founded by cancer survivors and caregivers who want to create a more human approach to helping people live on their own terms.
Imerman Angels
877-274-5529
Imerman Angels matches cancer patients with survivors of their same age, gender and cancer type.
Cactus Cancer Society
Cactus Cancer Society is a nonprofit organization providing online support programs to young adult cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
Mission Control
Mission Control offers an excellent database where you can search for resources near your location, including groups, transportation, professional services and more.
National Cancer Institute: Self-Image and Sexuality
This National Cancer Institute resource examines sexuality and reproductive issues as affected by cancer.
LiveStrong Fertility
LiveStrong Fertility offers resources and information on cancer and fertility, provides financial assistance and drives research on the impact of cancer treatment on fertility.
Cancer.net: Parenting While Living with Cancer
This quick article contains tips about how to cope with cancer while taking care of yourself and your family.