The National Comprehensive Cancer Coalition Network (NCCN) defines adolescents and young adults (AYAs) as people ages 15 to 39 at the time of a cancer diagnosis. According to NCCN, in comparison to older adults and children, the AYA population has experienced minimal improvement in survival rates over the last two decades. When facing cancer, the AYA patient population often confronts a unique set of psychosocial challenges related to the normal developmental tasks associated with this life stage, including identity formation, developing independence, managing school and beginning a career, finding a life partner and creating a family.     

As a means to address the psychosocial needs experienced by the AYA population and impact survival outcomes, it is imperative that mental health professionals are well‐informed about the issues facing this population, and are equipped with effective, evidence‐based interventions. As such, through the creation of the AYA SIG, AOSW is committed to ensuring that the needs of this target population are effectively addressed.

The purpose of the AYA SIG is to:

• Promote awareness of pertinent psychosocial issues faced by the AYA population,
• Share information on effective clinical “best practices” and interventions,
• Develop and disseminate resources designed to enhance the quality of lives of AYA patients and their families,
• Inspire advocacy work targeted to enhance the quality of care received by AYA cancer patients, and
• Provide a forum of support for AOSW members working in the AYA field.

Should your practice involve adolescents and young adults, or if you are interested in learning more about this patient population, we strongly encourage you to sign up for the AYA SIG!