A cancer diagnosis is devastating no matter what age you are, but being diagnosed with it in your younger years brings its own set of challenges. If you’re between 18-40 and have been affected by cancer, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center offers support specific to you. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or survived cancer in your childhood, it helps to connect with others who know what it’s like to have a life-threatening illness.
Please contact cancersupport@hitchcock.org or call (603) 650-7751 for more information.
There are many organizations and websites dedicated to helping young adults deal with cancer treatment and survivorship. This is only a partial listing of those organizations.
- I’m Too Young for this! Cancer Foundation: www.i2y.com or stupidcancer.com
Ages 15-40
The country's largest support community for Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer. They have web forums and provide information and links to other organizations that help YA cancer patients. I2y calls themselves the "Bullhorn" of the Young Adult cancer movement. Their founder Matthew Zachary, hosts a weekly radio show, The Stupid Cancer Show, available at www.blogtalkradio.com/stupidcancershow. - Fertile Hope: www.fertilehope.org
Fertile Hope is a LIVESTRONG initiative dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility. - First Descents: firstdescents.org
Ages 18-39
Offers free one-week outdoor adventure experiences, such as white water kayaking, surfing or rock climbing for young adult cancer survivors. This group helps folks take on a physical and mental challenge and encourages stretching boundaries. Transportation scholarships are available for first-year campers.