This information lists support resources for people aged 15 to 39 who are getting treatment at MSK.
MSK Programs
Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program
Our AYA Program helps adolescents and young adults meet the unique challenges young people face during cancer treatment. Working with the primary care team and specialty services, this program offers support with:
- Life outside of cancer treatment
- Fertility and sexual health
- LGBTQIA+ resources
- Working, attending school, or both during cancer treatment
- Financial and insurance support
- Mental health resources and counseling
- Tips for management of treatment side effects
The AYA Program also offers opportunities to connect with peers via virtual groups, activities, and a private social media app for patients ages 18 and older.
- Virtual Programs lets you connect with your peers, chat, and enjoy activities together. Activities may include arts and crafts, yoga, trivia and game nights, educational workshops, and much more. You can find all our virtual offerings by visiting www.mskcc.org/events and searching “young adult.”
- The Lounge App is a social media platform for patients aged 18 to 39. It can help you connect to other patients around your age, find or suggest events at MSK or elsewhere, share experiences, ask questions, and get answers from experts. You can download The Lounge at MSK app in the App Store or on Google Play. Email [email protected] for a unique access code.
For more information about the AYA Program, email [email protected] or call 646-608-8336.
Young Adult Support Group
Our Young Adult Support Group is an online support group for young adults (ages 21 to 39) who are in active treatment at MSK. A social worker leads discussions about the unique patient experiences of young adults. Visit www.mskcc.org/event/young-adult-support-group to learn more or register.
MSK Support Services
The following activities and support services are available to MSK patients of all ages, including teens, adolescents, and young adults. Some services may need a referral from your care team, or charge a fee.
Integrative Medicine Service
www.mskcc.org/integrativemedicine
Our Integrative Medicine Service offers many services to complement (go along with) traditional medical care, including music therapy, mind/body therapies, dance and movement therapy, yoga, and touch therapy. To schedule an appointment for these services, call 646-449-1010.
You can also schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider in the Integrative Medicine Service. They will work with you to come up with a plan for creating a healthy lifestyle and managing side effects. To make an appointment, call 646-608-8550.
Counseling Center
Our Counseling Center offers services for individuals, couples, and families. For more information, call 646-888-0100.
Social Work Services
Social workers are available to provide emotional and practical support to patients and families. Our Social Work team offers disease-specific support groups and programs. For more information, call 212-639-7020.
Help for Caregivers
Visit www.mskcc.org/caregivers for information, services, and support to help you in your role as a caregiver. Email [email protected] to learn more about support groups for caregivers.
Talking with Children About Cancer program
Our Talking with Children About Cancer program helps support adults in cancer treatment as they parent their children and teenagers. For more information, call 212-639-7029.
Sexual health programs
Our sexual health programs offer services that can help you address sexual health issues related to cancer. MSK offers personal support services and therapies.
- For information about our Female Sexual Medicine & Women’s Health Program, call 646-888-5076.
- For information about our Male Sexual & Reproductive Medicine Program, call 646-888-6024.
Cancer and Fertility Program
Some cancers and cancer treatments can affect your fertility. If having a biological child is important to you, talk with your healthcare provider about your fertility options before treatment or ask them for a referral to our Cancer and Fertility Program.
Medical nutrition therapy services
Our medical nutrition therapy services gives personal and evidence-based medical nutrition therapy to MSK patients. They can help you manage nutrition concerns, including those related to your cancer diagnosis. For more information, call 212-639-7312.
Spiritual Care Services
Chaplains (spiritual counselors) from our Spiritual Services are here to help in many ways. They are available to listen, pray, contact community clergy or faith groups, or help support family members. They also can be a comforting companion and a spiritual presence. For more information, call 212-639-5982.
Patient Financial Services
Whether you’re a new patient or already in our care, our Patient Financial Services specialists are here to help you make sense of your insurance and payment questions. They also host informational sessions about health insurance coverage at MSK.
Resources for Life After Cancer (RLAC) program
Our RLAC program provides counseling, support groups, education, and advocacy to cancer survivors and their families. For more information, call 646-888-8106 or email [email protected]. You can also see our calendar of upcoming seminars, support group meetings, workshops, and other programming for cancer survivors.
External Resources and Support Organizations
This information explains support organizations that may help you before, during, or after your cancer treatment. These support organizations are not affiliated with MSK.
Teen Cancer America
www.teencanceramerica.org
Teen Cancer America (TCA) aims to improve the experience, outcomes, and survival of teens and young adults with cancer. TCA offers programming, online resources, and a newsletter for teen and young adult cancer patients and survivors.
Stupid Cancer
stupidcancer.org
This organization gives education, referrals, advocacy, support, and information about financial assistance, including scholarship information. For more information, call 212-619-1040.
Elephants and Tea
www.elephantsandtea.com
Elephants and Tea is a media company with the mission to help adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, survivors, and caregivers know they are not alone in their fight with cancer.
Escape
www.escapeayac.org/about
This organization provides resources and support for LGBTQIA+ adolescents and young adults with cancer and their families.
Livestrong
www.livestrong.org
This organization has information on support, fertility, money, insurance and practical needs. It also has a hotline called Livestrong Navigation that gives free personal cancer support.
The Ulman Foundation
www.ulmanfoundation.org
The Ulman Foundation works at a grassroots level to support, educate, connect, and empower young adult cancer survivors.
CancerCare’s young adult support services
www.cancercare.org/tagged/young_adults
CancerCare gives free, professional support services for young adults affected by cancer, as well as cancer information and resources. Groups are available online, by phone, and in person. For more information, call 800-813-4673 or email [email protected].
The SAM Fund
www.thesamfund.org
The SAM Fund is a grant and scholarship program for young adult cancer survivors. The fund can be used for many purposes, including vocational training, tuition, and medical expenses (such as co-pays and fertility treatments). For more information, call 866-439-9365 or 617-938-3484.
Cancer and Careers
www.cancerandcareers.org
This group supports and educates people with cancer to thrive in the workplace. For more information, call 646-929-8032.
Triage Cancer
triagecancer.org
A national nonprofit group that offers educational material and events about the practical and legal issues faced by people with cancer and their caregivers. For more information, call 424-258-4628.
Caregather
www.caregather.com
Caregather is a free social support network. Caregather brings family, friends, and coworkers together to support a loved one.
For more information about support resources, email [email protected] or call 646-608-8336.