Young Adult Cancer Program

Comprehensive Support for Young Adults Facing Cancer

Fox Chase has developed the Young Adult Cancer Program to optimize the treatment experience and improve the cancer journey for those patients diagnosed with cancer between the ages 18-39. We are proud to have launched the first program specifically for young adult cancer patients in Philadelphia.

Our team of specialists understands that young adults face unique challenges extending beyond their medical treatment – how to navigate work or school considerations, fertility and sexual health concerns, financial implications, relationship dynamics, psychosocial issues and more. Balancing the unexpected diagnosis of cancer and the side effects of treatment while managing the stressors of young adulthood is extremely difficult, and our team is here to help patients during this challenging time.

The Young Adult Cancer program features virtual support groups, education on fertility and sexual health, social and psychological support, financial guidance, genetic counseling and other support services. Our team strives to address the challenges that come from a diagnosis of cancer during this crucial time in a patient’s life, so that patients can focus on treating their disease and achieving the best possible outcome.

Fox Chase Young Adult Cancer Program addresses growing, and sobering need. Courtesy of 6abc Philadelphia.

The Young Adult Cancer Program offers the following services, with more continuing to be introduced:

Specialized care: Tailored specifically for each patient, a treatment plan from our multidisciplinary care team with expertise in meeting the unique needs of young adults with cancer.
Virtual support groups: The ability to connect and build relationships with other young adult cancer patients.
Psychosocial/mental health counseling: Coping strategies and emotional support to address the emotional distress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Work/school: Navigating the concerns of working or attending school during treatment, when many adult cancer patients have just begun their career or are in the middle of their education .
Patient and caregiver/family education: Guidance and support for parents, children, and other family members or caregivers while the patient is going through their experience with cancer.
Fertility preservation: Outreach from the Fox Chase oncofertility program to share information on the potential effects of treatment on fertility, available fertility preservation options and available financial resources.
Access to all Fox Chase Resources: Including financial guidance, survivorship, clinical trials and more.

The Young Adult Cancer team provides targeted support and resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by young adults with cancer, ultimately enhancing their care experiences and outcomes. This project is a testament to our team’s dedication to quality care and our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of our patient population.

Christopher Cann, MD
Executive Director
Young Adult Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center

Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology/Oncology
Fox Chase Gastrointestinal Cancer Program

Daniel Stapor, MD
Director of Hematologic Malignancies
Young Adult Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center

Assistant Professor, Department of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy
Fox Chase Blood Cancer and Cellular Therapy Institute

Anjali Albanese, MSW, LSW, OSW-C
Licensed Social Worker, Fox Chase Cancer Center

Mark Itzen, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker, Fox Chase Cancer Center

Disha Sawhney, FACHDM, FRSPH
Program Director
Young Adult Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center

Operations Manager, Clinical Service Lines
Fox Chase Cancer Center

Margaret von Mehren, MD
Senior Faculty Advisor
Young Adult Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center

Chief, Division of Sarcoma Medical Oncology
Vice Chair, Department of Hematology/Oncology
Fox Chase Cancer Center

Enrollment into the Young Adult Cancer Program is as follows:

When a Fox Chase nurse navigator meets with a new patient that is younger than 40, that information is shared with the Young Adult Cancer team for automatic enrollment in the program. Meanwhile, a nurse navigator supports the patient with identifying a provider, setting up appointments, and guiding them through the process.
The patient typically meets with the medical oncologist first, followed by radiation and surgical oncologists.
A representative from the Young Adult Cancer team will then reach out with information about the program and its offerings.
The patient will fill out a needs assessment survey to share their biggest concerns where they would benefit most from subspecialized support, resources and referrals.
The patient and family members receive ongoing support from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship, and beyond.

Ready to join the Young Adult Cancer Program?

New to Fox Chase? Request an appointment with one of our specialists to get started.
Already a Fox Chase patient? Talk to your care team to enroll.

Support Groups & Peer Communities

Stupid Cancer
National leader in young adult cancer advocacy, education, and peer support, offering online programs, meetups, and an annual national conference.

Young Adult Cancer Connection
Provides emotional and clinical resources designed specifically for young adults and their caregivers through virtual and in-person programs.

Young Adult Survivors United (YASU)
Philadelphia-based nonprofit offering emotional, social, and limited financial support for young adult cancer survivors and caregivers.

Cactus Cancer Society
Provides online peer groups, wellness programming, and creative support for young adults ages 18 to 45 worldwide.

Blood Cancer United – Support Groups
Peer support and education for individuals affected by blood cancers.

Mental Health & Emotional Support

CancerCare – Young Adults
Free professional counseling, support groups, education, and resource referrals for young adults affected by cancer.

Imerman Angels
Connects patients with trained survivor mentors for one-to-one peer support.

Financial Assistance & Basic Needs

Rachel’s Helping Hands
Helps families cover medical copays, prescriptions, and treatment-related costs.
Service Area: PA & NJ Tri-State

Breathing Room Foundation
Provides utility, grocery, cleaning, and meal support to families affected by cancer.
Service Area: Greater Philadelphia

Vickie’s Angel Foundation
Assists families with rent, food, and basic living expenses.
Service Area: Select PA counties

The SAMFund
Grants and financial education for young adults ages 21 to 39.

Allyson Whitney Foundation
Provides grants for young adults with rare cancers.

Family Reach
Helps cover everyday needs such as housing, utilities, food, and transportation.

L.I.F.E. – Helping Others Live
Provides financial assistance and meaningful wish experiences for young adults ages 18 to 30.

CancerCare Financial Assistance
Offers co-pay and treatment-related financial assistance.

HealthWell Foundation
Assists with copays, deductibles, premiums, and out-of-pocket medical costs.

Aunt Bertha / FindHelp
Searchable database of local cancer-related resources by ZIP code.

Work, Insurance & Legal Support

Cancer and Careers

Employment guidance, FMLA education, and workplace rights resources.

Patient Advocate Foundation
Provides legal and financial navigation support for people with cancer.

Cancer Legal Resource Center
Legal education and assistance regarding employment, insurance, and benefits.

National Cancer Legal Services Network
Connects patients to free legal assistance programs nationwide.

Triage Cancer
Practical guidance on insurance, employment, and financial issues.

Education & Scholarships

My Hometown Heroes
Provides college scholarships for young adults ages 17 to 39 with cancer experience.

Ulman Foundation
Scholarships and survivorship programming for young adults.

Cancer for College
College scholarships for students diagnosed with cancer.

Finaid – Cancer Scholarships
Database of scholarships for students affected by cancer.

Simon Cancer Foundation
Provides scholarships for individuals impacted by cancer.

National Collegiate Cancer Foundation
Need-based scholarships for young adults pursuing higher education.

Fertility Preservation & Pregnancy

Livestrong Fertility
Helps patients understand fertility risks and access fertility preservation discounts.

Alliance for Fertility Preservation
Connects patients with fertility preservation providers nationwide.

Preserve Fertility
Education and financial assistance for fertility preservation.

Team Maggie’s Dream
Provides fertility preservation grants for young adults.

Verna’s Purse / Anna’s Gift
Financial assistance and reduced storage fees for fertility preservation.

Hope for Two
Support network for people diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy.

Sexual Health & Relationships

A Woman’s Touch
Sexual health education and curated wellness products.

International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
Evidence-based resources for women’s sexual health.

International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM)
Education on male sexual health and treatment.

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
Reproductive health education and fertility guidance.

Sexual Medicine Society of North America
Sexual health education for patients.

Embrace Sexual Wellness
Sexual therapy services and education.

Elephants and Tea
AYA survivor stories, relationships, and lifestyle resources.

General Cancer Education & Survivorship

American Cancer Society
Trusted national cancer information and survivorship support.

National Cancer Institute
Comprehensive cancer education and clinical trial information.

OncoLink
Patient education, survivorship, and tools for long-term health.

NCCN AYA Patient Guidelines
Evidence-based treatment and survivorship guidelines.

Passport for Care
Personalized survivorship care planning tools.

OncoLife
Survivorship planning and late-effects guidance.

Smart ALACC
Health risk education for long-term survivors.