We hear you; learning that you have cancer is a BIG DEAL. It impacts nearly every aspect of your life. Even more, everyone’s journey through treatment and survivorship is unique. At Novant Health Cancer Center, we’re committed to providing individualized medical care with support from experts in psychiatry, pain management, social work and, depending on cancer type,
child life services.
Beating cancer is more than just a matter of what medicines you take. Successful treatment involves a strong partnership between the patient, caregiver and healthcare providers. Our team strives to allow you to maintain as much independence and normalcy as possible. At Novant Health Cancer Center we want you to achieve your fullest potential during and after treatment.
Many teens and young adults fall into a gap between cancer treatment programs designed for children and those designed for adults, which has led to the development of treatment programs aimed at caring for the unique needs of this special group. For many, the cancer diagnosis comes at a time in life when they are defining their physical, financial and emotional independence from family. Often, they are pursuing educational and career goals. Some may be in new committed relationships and even considering starting a family. Our multidisciplinary team respects the different challenges of adolescent and young adult patients and is committed to supporting these needs in a customized way.
Clinically Speaking
Cancer rates are higher in adolescents and young adults than in younger children. Even so, they are much less likely to receive a prompt diagnosis or be enrolled in a clinical trial. As a result, cancer survival rates for this group have improved the least out of all age groups. Novant Health Cancer Center is working to change this by providing specialized care and treatment through national pediatric clinical trials. The Children’s Oncology Group, of which we are a participating member, is developing
clinical research trials to include patients up to age 50. Your doctor will be able to tell you if one of these trials is right for you.