June 3 conversation to focus on medical debt, mental health, fertility, and the importance of connection during a cancer journey.
On Monday, June 3, at 8 p.m. ET, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and ACS CAN's Young Leaders Caucus (YLC) will host a virtual event, Stories of Young Adult Survivorship, focusing on adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivorship, and the social, emotional and financial challenges associated with this specific age group. This virtual event is free and open to the public. To register, visit fightcancer.org.
As survivors, ACS CAN Minnesota Vice State Lead Ambassador Jenn Schultz, ACS CAN Ohio Legislative Ambassador Alique Topalian, ACS CAN Florida Ambassador Constituent Team (ACT) Lead Hannah Growth, and ACS CAN Minnesota ACT Lead Haley Erickson, led by ACS CAN New York Legislative Ambassador and moderator Olivia Mannion, will share their personal experiences dealing with navigating a cancer diagnosis in hopes to improve cancer survivorship for others through awareness and advocacy.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 80,000 young adults aged 20 to 39 are diagnosed with cancer each year, making up about 5% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. Cancer is the 5th leading cause of death in this age group. The adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community differs from young pediatric and older adult patients, and knowing the uniqueness of this population is critical in understanding how to best support these patients.
ACS CAN’s Young Leaders Caucus fosters opportunities to connect young people to the work of ACS CAN and to others to elevate the perspectives of young people, including cancer survivors, about childhood and AYA, to inform and influence ACS CAN priorities and considerations. For more information on how to support or join the Volunteer Caucus, visit fightcancer.org.
