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Cancer Snapshots: Disease Focused and Other Snapshots

  • Posted: 03/22/2013

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Cancer Snapshots

A Snapshot of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers

Cancers Affecting Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs)

Nearly 68,400 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15–39 were diagnosed with cancer in 2009.1 This is almost six times the number of cases diagnosed in children ages 0–14. The incidence of specific cancer types varies dramatically across the AYA age continuum. For example, leukemia, lymphoma, and testicular cancer (germ cell tumors) are the most common cancer types in younger AYAs (less than 24 years old). In older AYAs (ages 25–39), by contrast, these cancers decline in frequency, and other cancers such as cervical, colorectal, and, particularly, breast cancer are more common.2 See Cancers in Young People to learn more. 

Nearly 68,400 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15–39 were diagnosed with cancer in 2009. Almost six times the number of cases diagnosed in children ages 0–14. The incidence of specific cancer types varies dramatically across the AYA age continuum. For example, leukemia, lymphoma, and testicular cancer (germ cell tumors) are the most common cancer types in younger AYAs (less than 24 years old). In older AYAs (ages 25–39), by contrast, these cancers decline in frequency, and other cancers such as cervical, colorectal, and, particularly, breast cancer are more common.

Incidence and Survival

Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in the AYA population; among females, it is the most common disease-related cause of death, and among males it is second only to heart disease.3 In the AYA age group, only accidents, suicide, and homicide claim more lives than cancer.

Incidence rates of cancers in AYAs vary by race and ethnicity. Rates of both cancer incidence and 5-year survival are highest among white AYAs. American Indian/Alaska Native AYAs have the lowest cancer incidence rates, but they also have poorer survival rates than whites. African Americans have intermediate incidence rates and the lowest 5-year survival rates.

Unlike improvements seen in younger and older age groups, survival rates for young people (AYAs) with cancer have not improved in almost 30 years.
Factors that may account for the lack of improved outcomes among AYAs include:

  • Delayed diagnosis of primary cancers
  • Poor understanding of the biology and etiology of the cancers in this population
  • Inadequate access to clinical trials and low rates of participation
  • Inadequate treatment practices and settings
  • Unique psychosocial and supportive care needs.

Chart of 5 year susvial rates for Adolescent and Young Adult (ages 15-39) with cancer. The rates of survival: Whites non-hispanic about 85%, Hispanic about 78%, Asian/Pacific Islander about 77%, American Indian/Alaska Native about 76%, African Americans about 72%

Examples of NCI Activities Relevant to AYA Cancers

Selected Advances in AYA Cancer Research

  • Melanoma in adolescents and young adults (ages 15–39 years): United States, 1999–2006 examined the burden of melanoma among AYAs and suggested areas for etiologic research around gene-environment interactions and the need for targeted cancer control activities specific to AYAs. Published November 2011. [PubMed Abstract]
  • Unmet adolescent and young adult cancer survivors information and service needs: a population-based cancer registry study describes unmet information and service needs of AYA cancer survivors and identifies sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with these unmet needs. Published March 2012. [PubMed Abstract]
  • Positive and negative psychosocial impact of being diagnosed with cancer as an adolescent or young adult explores the psychosocial impact of cancer on newly diagnosed AYA cancer patients. Published March 2012. [PubMed Abstract]
  • Impact of cancer on work and education among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors finds that although most AYA patients with cancer return to work after cancer, treatment intensity, not having insurance, and quitting work/school directly after diagnosis can influence work/educational outcomes. Published May 2012. [PubMed Abstract]
  • So others may benefit: Young cancer patients and survivors take part in oncofertility research after learning about options through social media and a network of fertility clinics. Reported June 2012.
  • See this PubMed list of selected free full-text journal articles on NCI-supported research relevant to adolescent and young adult cancer. You can also search PubMed for additional scientific articles.

Additional Resources for AYA Cancer