Infertility is a side effect of some cancers in men and some cancer treatments for both men and women. For young cancer patients, it can be especially devastating to confront the risks of infertility at the same time as undergoing lifesaving cancer treatment. The Fertile Hope Foundation provides reproductive information, support, and hope to cancer patients whose treatments may result in infertility. The organization's Web site includes an overview of cancer treatments that increase the risk of infertility as well as preservation options before, during, and after treatment. The site offers risk calculators, for men and women, based on a compilation of clinical experience and published research on common cancer treatments that may impact reproductive function. Fertile Hope also offers discounted sperm banking and egg and embryo freezing for patients who want to preserve their fertility prior to beginning cancer treatment.
LIVESTRONGTM Young Adult Alliance @ Lance Armstrong Foundation
Survival rates for young adults with cancer have not improved as rapidly as rates for children or older adults. Through the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the LIVESTRONGTM Young Adult Alliance is committed to improving survival rates and quality of life for young adults living with cancer. The Alliance works to promote research and improve the delivery of patient care. It also serves as an advocacy group to generate awareness of the issue and is a voice for young adults with cancer.
In collaboration with the LIVESTRONGTM Young Adult Alliance, the National Cancer Institute established a Progress Review Group, made up of a panel of experts, to review the state of science for the treatment of young adults with cancer, and develop a national agenda for adolescent/young adult oncology.
If you are interested in learning more about the Young Adult Alliance, you can fill out an online information form to receive periodic updates about the group's activities.
When Treatment Ends @ Surviving and Moving Forward: The SAMFund for Young Adult Survivors of Cancer
For young adult cancer patients whose treatment has ended, the transition back to school or into a career can be difficult and, in some cases, finances can be a roadblock. The SAMFund provides grants and scholarships to young adult cancer survivors, ages 17 - 35, to help them pursue educational or professional goals and move forward with their lives after cancer. Funds can be used to help pay for education, living expenses, job searches, and medical expenses.
This online community for young adults with cancer offers humor, tips, discussion boards, and a live chat room for support and encouragement. Information on the site is at times irreverent, but brutally honest when it comes to the unique issues faced by young adults with cancer: including dating with cancer, loss of fertility, or putting school or a new career on hold. Separate discussion boards are available for specific types of cancer and related topics, including fertility, transplants, dating, relationships, and sexuality, and family issues. You must register to participate. The site also offers "Cancertainment", including reviews of books and music, written by (or for) young adults with cancer, free videogames and a blog. And, you can access a list of support groups by state for young adult cancer patients.
Young Women with Breast Cancer @ Young Survival Coalition
This international network of breast cancer survivors is dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women with breast cancer. Here, you can be connected with other young women affected by breast cancer who have a similar diagnosis. The organization's Web site also provides Bulletin Boards on a range of topics, including treatment, premature menopause, metastatic disease, and support for family and friends. Most postings also include brief details about the person's age, diagnosis, and treatment. You must register to access the Bulletin Boards. The site also provides online fact sheets and brochures of particular interest to young women with breast cancer as well as Survivor Stories.
Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancers @ childrensoncologygroup.org
This site offers approximately fifty guidelines, in pdf format, which were developed as a collaborative effort of the Nursing Discipline and the Late Effects Committee as a resource for clinicians who provide ongoing healthcare to survivors of pediatric malignancies.
The Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines cover such issues as potential late effects and risk factors for various chemotherapy and radiation treatments. There are also individual "Health Links" targeted to specific conditions, such as single kidney health, amputation, chronic pain, and emotional issues.
Although the information within the guidelines is valuable to the survivors, at this time the only version available is written for healthcare professionals. Therefore, survivors who choose to read these guidelines are advised to discuss this information with a qualified medical professional.
