Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program

• Better outcomes by treating the whole person

  Research has shown that for certain kinds of cancer, teens and young adults have better results when they are treated at a pediatric hospital like Seattle Children's. We believe our focus on the whole person and involving their family helps our patients beat their disease.

  Our team is determined that you keep being the person you want to be, regardless of your cancer diagnosis. We focus on the total well-being of adolescents and young adults — not just their fight against cancer.

  The AYA program is part of our Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Our patient outcomes are better than the national average for a broad range of cancers.

• Leaders in care focused on teens and young adults

  Our AYA Cancer Program was one of the first in the country for teens and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. Our researcher, Dr. Abby Rosenberg, studies what makes teens and young adults able to stay strong to survive cancer. Our medical director, Dr. Tyler Ketterl, focuses his research on lasting effects after treatment for cancer.

  About one-third of our patients with cancer at Seattle Children’s are adolescents and young adults. By being treated here, you are more likely to meet people your age who are also living with cancer. Support from peers can help you get through it.

  We work with a teen advisory group made up of patients who either are in or have finished treatment at Seattle Children's. This group helps us be sure our AYA Program makes sense for your needs.

• The latest treatments, including clinical trials

  Because Seattle Children’s is a research leader, our patients have access to advanced treatments being studied in clinical trials, including phase 1 trials. Your doctor can tell you about any trials that are right for your age group and for your needs.

  Your child will benefit from the work of physician-scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and UW Medicine, as well as at Seattle Children’s. The National Cancer Institute has named our partnership a comprehensive cancer center.

• A team that has your back

  Beating cancer involves more than medical treatment. You will have a whole team behind you.

  • As needed you’ll get care from experts in adolescent medicine and in nutrition, nursing, pain management, acupuncture, palliative care, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Read more about the supportive care we offer.
  • We support your emotional health through our social workers, psychologists and art and music therapists in our Child Life
  • Through Seattle Children's School Services, we help you keep up with your education during treatment.
  • Our team goes the extra mile to help you reach milestones. Read how Michael took part in high school graduation from his hospital bed.
  • We also support you and your family with financial counseling, housing, transportation, interpreter services and spiritual care. Read about our services for patients and families.
• Fertility preservation

  Starting a family may be the furthest thing from your mind right now. But cancer and the treatments that cure it may affect your ability to have biological children one day (fertility).

  An important part of planning for life after cancer is learning how it might affect your fertility and whether you can take steps now to protect it. This is called fertility preservation.

  Whether fertility preservation is possible for you depends on your age, gender, type of cancer and the treatments you need. We will talk with you about any fertility preservation options that might apply to you. We will help you and your family understand the strengths, limits, successes and science behind each option. Our goal is to help you make the choices that are right for you.

  Read about:  

  • Fertility preservation options
  • Dealing with fertility concerns as a cancer survivor
• Long-term care for survivors

  When you finish treatment, you can keep getting support by joining our survivor group.

  People who have been cured of cancer may be affected for months or years by their disease or treatment. Our Cancer Survivor Program provides long-term follow-up to help young people stay healthy after being treated for cancer.

  At a certain point, it will make better sense to receive your healthcare from adult care providers. We work closely with UW Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center to help you make this change at the right time.

If you would like an appointment, ask your child’s primary care provider to refer you.

If you have a referral or would like a second opinion, contact the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at 206-987-2106 or by email.

Providers, see how to refer a patient.