Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital Expands Pediatric Oncology Services with Adolescent and Young Adult Program

Newly launched Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health program addresses unique social and emotional challenges facing teens and young adults with cancer

Pediatric oncology services at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital recently expanded to include an Adolescent and Young Adult Program (AYA), with the ultimate goal of improved survival rates.

During the last two decades, The AYA population, 15 to 39 years old, experienced a large survival gap. In contrast, over the past 30 to 40 years, pediatric patients and older adults experienced significant survival gains. The specialized support program is designed to improve survival rates for teens and young adults.

Adolescent and young adults face unique challenges when coping with a cancer diagnosis. It can be difficult for teens and young adults with cancer to manage the disease’s emotional and social challenges. For instance, patients may be starting a family or a career while patients on the younger side of the age range are going through changes associated with being a teen.

The AYA Program will initially help patients age 15 to 30 navigate issues including relationships, extended absences from school or work, body image, financial concerns and long-term health issues including effects on fertility. The AYA program will initially pilot services for individuals treated for leukemias, lymphomas, sarcoma, and gynecological cancer by the Children’s Cancer Institute and John Theurer Cancer Center. Patients receiving support may be in active treatment or post therapy.

Care will be provided by a team including the pediatric oncologist who specializes in the cancer being treated, a nurse navigator, social workers and child life specialists. Services offered include counseling, financial and support services, education, peer support, a fertility program and survivorship services.

The social support helps address common roadblocks to appropriate health care for young cancer survivors, such as insurance or financial issues, transportation, therapy adherence. It also offers psychosocial support for newly independent young adults, social isolation, and a sense of belonging (adult vs. pediatric care).

Like other cancer programs at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, the AYA program will be funded in part by Tackle Kids Cancer.

Learn more about our innovations in pediatric oncology.