It’s still early in 2024, but the year is already proving to be one filled with significant increases. Climate scientists are predicting global temperatures will shatter last year’s record-breaking heat. More Americans than ever before in history will celebrate their 65th birthdays.
Young Adult Cancer
Laura Garrett knows first-hand the importance of advocating for her health. For months after a bout with COVID-19 in August 2022, she didn’t feel quite right. “Everyone I talked to kept telling me it was just long COVID and that I was overreacting.
If you are worried about the cost of your cancer treatments, know that you are not alone.
Breast cancer runs in Kristy Meyers’ family. When she was diagnosed in 2016, at the age of 35, it wasn’t exactly a surprise, but it wasn’t expected either.
“Cancer has made me want to prioritize because I’m always working on projects. Now it’s just a matter of which ones are the most important. I want to make sure I finish,” he says.
For young adults who are being treated at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Young Adult team is standing by, ready to provide support and guidance through a tumultuous time.
"If you’re facing cancer, choose to work with the top talent at the top cancer treatment center in Western New York. Choose Roswell Park."
If cancer runs in a family, there may be an inherited factor that increases the risk of younger generations in that family developing cancer.
"With the fire department, we’re at a higher risk. It’s just an inherently dangerous job. Cancer’s always going to be a risk for us."
It’s a time most young people dream about: Being in your 20s, finally an adult, out in the world and working your first job, maybe living in your first apartment alone or with a roommate. It’s an exciting time full of change and new adventures — something that can feel upended and derailed with a cancer diagnosis.
When it comes to young adults going through a cancer diagnosis, Erik stresses the importance of asking for help. “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for someone to talk to.”
"The staff at Roswell Park is fighting for me and others facing cancer to survive, and so, even when it was tough, I knew I also needed to dig deep and fight.”