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Survivorship Resources for Teens & Young Adults

Below are some general resources that we recommend for survivors in their teens, twenties, and thirties. For more topical resources, also see

  • American Cancer Society:  Chapters throughout the country offer patient services and programs on cancer research, prevention, detection, treatment, and advocacy. Chapters offer transportation, equipment, social work services, and support groups.
  • American Psychiatric Association:  This site provides guidelines for choosing a psychiatrist. 
  • Association of Cancer Online Resources:  Many email lists relevant to childhood cancer are hosted here. It also includes publications and information on clinical trials and treatment options.
  • Beyond the Cure: This site provides information about the late-effects of a childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment. They have a scholarship program, web conferences and continuing education programs for nurses.
  • CancerCare: A national nonprofit organization that provides free professional support services to anyone affected by cancer:  people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs - including counseling, education, financial assistance, and practical help - are provided by trained oncology social workers and are completely free of charge.
  • Cancer Support Community: The Cancer Support Community provides meeting places where men, women, and children living with cancer and their families and friends join with others to build emotional and social support as a supplement to medical care. 
  • Cancer.Net:  This site, sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, has a helpful section on survivorship including advice for healthy living beyond cancer, rehabilitation, and coping with the fear of recurrence.
  • Children's Oncology Group's Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines:  These guidelines provide recommendations for screening and management of late effects that may potentially arise as a result of having had cancer and/or its treatment. This resource was initially intended for medical professionals and contains medical and scientific terms that may not be familiar to lay persons. The COG strongly recommends discussing this information with your doctor.
  • First Descents:  First Descents is a weeklong outdoor experience for young adults with cancer to utilize whitewater kayaking and other outdoor adventure sports to promote emotional, psychological and physical healing.
  • cancer resources for young adultsImerman Angels:  Imerman Angels is an organization that carefully matches people who are currently fighting cancer to someone who has survived their battle with the same type of cancer in order to build one-on-one support networks. The service is free and available to cancer fighters and survivors worldwide. (Image:  Exhibiting table at CCCA's RTA-Houston conference)
  • LIVESTRONG:  The LIVESTRONG web site covers a wide range of topics of interest to cancer survivors from practical advice to survivorship stories. LIVESTRONG initiatives that may be of particular interest to young adult survivors of childhood cancer include Fertile Hope and Planet Cancer.
  • The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: LLS is dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. The organization's site provides practical information for patients and families including several publications related to childhood blood cancers.
  • National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship:  A patient-led advocacy organization for people with all types of cancer and their families, NCCS also has audio and print materials to help survivors cope.
  • SAMFund for Young Adult Survivors of Cancer:  The SAMFund is a nonprofit organization created to help young adult cancer survivors by providing financial support through grants and scholarships.
  • Teens Living with Cancer:  Teens Living with Cancer is an online resource dedicated to helping teens deal with the late effects of cancer. This resource provides information on exercise and nutrition. There is also an online support group. The website is available in English and Spanish.
  • The Cancer Project:  The Cancer Project is a collaborative effort of physicians, researchers, and nutritionists who have joined together to educate individuals, families, and the public on the benefits of a healthy diet for cancer prevention and survival. The Cancer Project provides comprehensive educational materials, conducts clinical research studies, and publicizes the value of a healthy diet in cancer prevention and survival.
  • The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults:  The Fund's mission is to provide support programs, education, and resources, free of charge, to benefit young adults who are affected by cancer and to promote awareness and prevention of cancer.
  • Vital Options International: Vital Options is a not-for-profit cancer communications, support, and advocacy organization. Vital Options sponsors the cancer talk show, The Group Room radio show.