AYA

Three days after Emily’s 19th birthday, she received the devastating news that she had stage 3 malignant melanoma, one of the most serious forms of skin cancer. She was given less than a 59 percent chance of surviving the next five years. In a state of shock, she felt her only options were fight or flight – to face her diagnosis head-on or to live in fear – and she chose to fight.

When a co-worker reveals that they are battling cancer, it can be difficult to know what to say or how to act.

Prior to treatment, all patients will have access to in-house fertility counseling thanks to a new oncofertility program established by Roswell Park’s AYA Department, Buffalo IVF and the University at Buffalo.

The words cancer and fun seldom share space in a sentence. But cancer support groups – especially for young adult patients – are increasingly geared towards fun and entertainment in activity-based settings.

One of the best things about the holiday season is celebrating with friends and family while enjoying a smorgasbord of festive treats. But for cancer patients, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critically important.

Sharing a good book at bedtime is a common tradition for parents and their little ones. It’s a cozy, magical time that builds a strong family bond. When a cancer diagnosis and hospital stay interrupts the fun, Roswell Park can help bridge the distance.

With each new year comes a sense of hope. An opportunity to set ambitious goals, break bad habits and learn from past mistakes. It’s a free pass at a fresh start with endless possibilities for growth.

For the AYA population, becoming a parent was probably an afterthought, until cancer threatened the possibility.