Each year, nearly 65,000 young adults between the ages of 15 and 40 are diagnosed with cancer.

In contrast to those younger and older, survival rates for young adults have not increased since 1975, possibly due to factors such as lack of insurance, less participation in clinical trials and delayed diagnoses.

In addition, young survivors often are caught between the worlds of pediatric and adult oncology. They may face a variety of unique long-term effects that will need to be addressed over their lifetimes, such as: reentry into school or the workforce, insurance coverage issues, infertility as a result of treatment, neurocognitive effects or secondary malignancies.

Bringing together for the first time key voices in the cancer community to effect positive results for young adults, the LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance is a coalition of organizations with the goal to improve the survival rates and quality of life for young adults with cancer between the ages of 15 and 40. The Alliance is committed to promoting research and the investigation of the problem, serving as a voice for the issue and promoting effective solutions.

We formed the LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance with the knowledge that unity is strength - by working together we can raise awareness and effect positive change for young adults with cancer.

To learn more:  LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance

The Young Adult Alliance launches Podcasts

The LAF has launched a series of 13 video podcasts where AYA survivors can hear the experiences and advice of peers — including Founder, Dan Waeger! — about a wide variety of cancer-related issues and concerns. LIVESTRONG: A Podcast Series for Young Adults with Cancer relays important information about common physical, emotional and practical concerns. Each video is 5 – 7 minutes long and addresses the unique needs of young adults with cancer. Please check out the videos at http://www.livestrong.org/ayapodcasts.