AOSW Connections
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, LCSW
Editor
Melody Griffith, MSW, LMSW, OSW-C
AOSW Communications Director
Jeanice Hansen, LCSW, OSW-C
Managing Editor
Patricia Sullivan
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To submit a story or information for inclusion in a future issue of AOSW Newsletter, contact Amy Colver or Melody Griffith on the list above.
Adolescents & Young Adults SIG: Promoting Awareness and Inspiring Quality of Care
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!
About the Authors
Karen Fasciano, PsyD
Program Director of Young Adult ProgramDana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts
kfasciano@partners.org
Karen Fasciano, PsyD
Program Director of Young Adult ProgramDana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts
kfasciano@partners.org
Articles
Adolescents & Young Adults SIG: Promoting Awareness and Inspiring Quality of CareAlexandra Gubin, MSW, LCSW-C
Clinical Social Worker, Pediatric Oncology; Young Adult Patient NavigatorThe Johns Hopkins Hospital; Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
Baltimore, Maryland
allie@ulmanfund.org
Alexandra Gubin, MSW, LCSW-C
Clinical Social Worker, Pediatric Oncology; Young Adult Patient NavigatorThe Johns Hopkins Hospital; Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
Baltimore, Maryland
allie@ulmanfund.org
Articles
Adolescents & Young Adults SIG: Promoting Awareness and Inspiring Quality of CareAdolescents & Young Adults SIG: The Role of the Social Worker in Onco-Fertility Care