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Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face poorer cancer outcomes and experiences compared with younger and older patients, and they historically have been lost between pediatric and adult models of oncology care. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is committed to providing up-to-date guidance on treating AYA patients with cancer to improve their outcomes. In this episode of CANCER BUZZ, a team from the University of North Carolina (UNC) AYA Oncology Program shares how it’s meeting the unique needs of this patient population by providing developmentally appropriate cancer care through a multidisciplinary approach, including clinical trial access and interactive infusion space; sharing resources where AYAs need additional support; and developing education about fertility and the short- and long-term impacts of cancer.
“We talk about things like sleep, mental health, diet, exercise, knowing all of those aspects of life have been impacted by cancer and its treatment, and in order to have the best quality of life and best outcomes, we need to pay attention to all of those aspects of an AYA survivors’ life.” – Andrew Smitherman, MD, MS
“We know that AYAs are one of the most underinsured or uninsured populations in the United States, and so that means often they are at least initially facing these diagnoses without any insurance at all to help defray the costs.” – Jacob Stein, MD, MPH
“My approach [for talking about long term effects] is that patients want to be able to have the opportunity to receive information.” – Alison Manikowski, PsyD
Read the full article here.
Guests:
Andrew Smitherman, MD, MSc
AYA Medical Director
Pediatric Oncologist
UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Chapel Hill, NC
Jacob Stein, MD, MPH
AYA Oncology Liaison
Medical Oncologist
UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Chapel Hill, NC
Alison Manikowski, PsyD
AYA Program Pediatric Psychologist
UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Chapel Hill, NC
Additional Resources:
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
July 8, 2026
June 30, 2026
At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
