Young adults with cancer often fall into a space that feels, in many ways, “in between.” They are no longer pediatric patients, but they don’t always fit neatly into adult oncology models either. As social workers, we see how this in-between space carries not only medical complexity, but also profound developmental and psychosocial challenges.
A cancer diagnosis during young adulthood arrives at a time when many individuals are building their independence, exploring identity, forming relationships, family planning, and looking toward the future. When that trajectory is interrupted, the impact can be deeply disorienting. Goals related to education or career may be placed on hold. Relationships—with friends, partners, and family—can shift in unexpected ways. The push for independence may be complicated by a renewed need for support, creating tension between autonomy and reliance on others.
From a social work perspective, these experiences call us to look beyond diagnosis and treatment. We are invited to understand the whole person—their fears, their hopes, their sense of self, and the life they imagined for themselves. Supporting young adults with cancer means acknowledging not just what they are going through medically, but what they may feel they are losing, redefining, or trying to hold onto.
At the recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Annual Conference held March 27-29 in Orlando, a multidisciplinary panel reinforced the importance of collaborative care for young adults. What stood out was a shared recognition that psychosocial care is not an “add-on,” but an essential part of effective oncology treatment. When we integrate emotional, social, and practical support into care, we are better able to meet patients where they are.
In our roles, social workers often become key points of connection. We assess for distress, provide psychosocial support, help patients navigate complicated systems, and work to reduce barriers that can make an already difficult experience even harder – whether that’s fertility preservation, financial toxicity, transportation challenges, and/or insurance issues. Just as importantly, we create space for patients to process what is happening to them, often in real time, as they try to make sense of their “new normal,” which includes the diagnosis and its impact on their lives.
We are also given the opportunity to advocate for our patients. This advocacy work includes developmentally appropriate resources, clearer communication, and care that reflects each patient’s values and goals. For young adults, especially, being heard and included in decision-making can make a meaningful difference in how they experience their care.
The panel also highlighted a concerning trend: an increasing number of young adults are being diagnosed with cancer, often after delays in diagnosis. Some of these delays stem from young adults minimizing their own symptoms, while others reflect how providers may also minimize symptoms or overlook them due to assumptions about age and overall health. These realities remind us how important it is to listen closely—to what is said, and sometimes to what isn’t.
There was also discussion of broader contributing factors, including lifestyle, nutrition, and genetics. While research continues to evolve, what remains clear is the importance of approaching AYA care holistically. Each young adult brings a unique set of circumstances, supports, and challenges that shape their experience.
Ultimately, working with young adults with cancer asks us to bridge gaps—between pediatric and adult systems, between medical care and lived experience, and between where someone is and where they hoped to be. It calls for flexibility, empathy, and a willingness to meet patients in moments that are often uncertain and overwhelming.
As social workers, we are uniquely positioned to do this work. By being present, both physically and emotionally, we can truly listen and bear witness to the voices and experiences of young adults, all the while ensuring that care is not only effective but also compassionate, responsive, and grounded in the realities of their lives.
For additional information on cancer in young adults, attend the upcoming NCCN webinar, “The Growing Cancer Burden in Young Adults,” scheduled for May 21 at 8 a.m. ET.
