Care for adolescents and young adults (AYA)
It is now universally recognized that cancer patients between the ages of 16 and 25 have specific characteristics and needs. For example, adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients are particularly affected by rare cancers, such as germ cell tumors, neurological tumors, sarcomas, lymphomas and leukemias. What is more, because these patients are at that time of life when they are reaching maturity and becoming independent, cancer has a particularly severe impact on their family, social and sex lives, their education and their first steps into the world of work. Care for young patients must take these factors into account.
AYA patients receiving hematology or medical oncology treatment at the IUCT-Oncopole are cared for by a specialist medical team that works in conjunction with the IUCT-Purpan’s pediatric oncology department. In addition, since 2016, these patients have benefitted from a specific therapeutic education program.
Young patients, in conjunction with their families, can choose to receive their treatment at either the IUCT-Purpan’s pediatric oncology department or at the IUCT-Oncopole’s AYA department.