Young Adults Living with Cancer

From time-to-time I want to use this blog to give a voice to other people who are in this fight with us and let them talk about topics that are close to their hearts. Today I want to introduce the President of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and founder of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, Doug Ulman. Doug is a three time cancer survivor, diagnosed for the first time at the age of 19. He is well aware of the issues, ignorance and insufficient support that the young adult cancer population faces.

I asked Lance for this opportunity today, because of a great article in the NY Times. The Times did a commendable job exploring a subject that is often ignored, young adults with cancer. When I was first diagnosed I was a sophomore in college and hearing “you have cancer” from my doctor left me with so many questions. I thought cancer didn’t happen to people my age, would I be receiving chemotherapy or radiation and how would I finish my education? On top of that there were other things I was too embarrassed to ask about: dating, fertility, friendships and playing soccer. As I went through this experience I began to realize that others were just like me and there were not a lot of places for us to turn.

These psycho-social issues combined with the unique biology of the cancers most commonly diagnosed in young adults makes for an isolated population in need of specialized treatments and services. The LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance worked with the National Cancer Institute to create the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Progress Review Group (PRG). The PRG brought together leaders from around the world to create a strategic plan for improving outcomes for this population. The Alliance is committed to implementing the strategies outlined in this plan, so that we can bring attention to this issue and improve the lives of young adults affected by cancer.

LIVESTRONG,
Doug

Learn more about the LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance