A cancer diagnosis between the ages of 15 and 40 years is nearly 8 times more common than such a diagnosis during the first 15 years of life.

The strides made in cancer treatment have generally bypassed young adults.

Cancer is the leading disease killer among 20 to 39-year olds.

While both younger and older patients are seeing improvements in survival rates, the rates for young adults have improved far less, and the gap is worsening.

Due to a lack of progress in survival improvement since 1975, young adults diagnosed with cancer today have a worse prognosis than those diagnosed 25 years ago.  

Why?

While it is impossible to pinpoint one reason for this survival disparity there are several clinical and social factors which contribute to this lack of progress:

• Inadequate access to care
• Delayed diagnosis
• Lack of insurance
• Low clinical suspicion by medical professionals
• Young adult feeling of invincibility
• Biological differences of cancer in young adults
• Toxicity tolerance unknown and unstudied
• Lowest participation rate in clinical trials of any age
• Uncertainty about where to treat young adults, pediatric or adult units
• No one owns the issue, resulting in a lack of mentors and an official discipline
• Advocacy efforts do not exist, young adults lack political power
• Lack of cooperation in oncology and patient advocacy community

The Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults are two organizations that are taking necessary steps to address the devastating and unequal burden of cancer that is experienced by young adults.  

LAF

Through the work of the LIVESTRONG (TM) Young Adult Alliance, the Lance Armstrong Foundation is leading a coordinated national effort to address those factors that contribute to the unequal burden of cancer experienced by young adults.  
 

What is the LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance?

• A coalition of organizations (medical institutions and non-profit groups) committed to improving the survival rates and quality of life for young adults with cancer between the ages of 15 and 40.
• Formed with the knowledge that unity is strength - working together we can raise awareness and effect positive change for young adults with cancer.
• Promotes relevant research and the delivery of patient care
• Generates awareness of the issue
• Advances effective community-based programs and services
• A voice for young adults with cancer on Capitol Hill

The following three areas are considered to be of the highest priority for action as the Alliance moves forward:

• Build a more comprehensive national research program for young adult oncology.
• Establish Standards of Care in AYA Oncology:
• Clinical care facilities
• Treatment protocols
• Professional training
• Provide education, training, and communication on this topic to young adults and their families, health care professionals, policy makers, and the public.

What is the UCF?

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults provides programs and services which address areas of cancer support, advocacy, and education specific to young adults dealing with cancer.

The UCF coordinates the first and only support service of its kind, their Comprehensive Support Program for Young Adults Affected by Cancer (CSP).  CSP offers a support network that addresses the unique needs of this population, including:

• Support & Networking Groups
• College Scholarships
• Survivor's & Loved Ones Network
• Survival Guide, No Way It Can't Be: A Guidebook for Young Adults Facing Cancer
• Speakers Bureau
• Patient Advocate/Navigator Program
• Education and Prevention
• College Curriculum
• High School Curriculum
• Middle School Curriculum

Additionally, UCF provides community grants to grassroots organizations that focus on bridging the gap in psychosocial services available for adolescents and young adults.  Their Visionary Grants program looks for both traditional and novel approaches to support this underrepresented population.

The issues facing young adults with cancer are enormous and the LAF and the UCF are leading a charge to positively impact the lives of thousands of young adults facing this insidious illness. By participating in the Skinny Tire Festival you are allowing us to take a major step forward towards saving lives and positively impacting many, many more.
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References:
* The Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Statistics Summary
* 2006 SEER report is based on data collected between 1975 and 2001.

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