Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer
Get specialized adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer care and treatment at University Health. We have the only dedicated cancer program in South Texas for 15- to 39-year-olds.
Our AYA cancer program earned the Beacon Gold Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses in 2024, demonstrating our commitment to this special patient population.
What’s the AYA Cancer Program?
The AYA cancer program at University Health focuses on the needs and challenges of teens and young adults with cancer. This unique program offers dedicated services and support to improve your child’s outcomes.
AYA Cancer Facts
According to the National Cancer Institute, about 86,000 young people (ages 15 to 39) are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. This is about eight times the number of cancers diagnosed in children ages 0 to 14.
Treating AYA Cancer
Research shows that young adults with certain cancers (brain tumors, leukemia, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma) may have better outcomes if treated within a pediatric rather than adult cancer center.
At University Health, we focus on improving the five-year survival of AYA cancer patients.
Cancers We Treat in Young People
Receive advanced, complete care for the types of cancers that affect teens and young adults, including:
- Blood, such as leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Bone, such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma
- Brain tumors
- Reproductive, such as ovarian and testicular
- Skin, such as melanoma
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Thyroid
One-of-a-Kind Cancer Care
Take part in the only AYA program of its kind in South Texas. We understand your care and treatment needs differ from younger children and adults over 40. By focusing on your unique needs, we provide superior, personalized medical treatment.
You’re Part of Your Cancer Care Team
You are the most important part of your cancer care team. Your cancer experience is different from other patients. We want to provide care that is right for you. We will work with you in ways that are most helpful to you and put your preferences and needs first.
AYA Cancer Experts
Feel confident you are getting high-quality cancer care at University Health. The board-certified UT Health San Antonio cancer doctors providing your care are well-known experts. They bring extraordinary cancer knowledge and broad treatment experience to your care and treatment.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Experience patient-centered care and get an individualized care plan from your care team. Your large, multidisciplinary team collaborates on your care, discusses your treatment options and tailors your treatment for the best possible outcomes. We will work closely with you to make sure you clearly understand all aspects of your treatment plan.
Dedicated Support Care & Services
Turn to your AYA cancer care team for supportive care and services to help adjust to your diagnosis, cope and managing cancer treatment. You’ll have access to all of our specialized care to address short-term side effects and long-term health conditions that may result from cancer treatment.
Access to AYA Clinical Trials & Research
You can participate in the latest AYA clinical trials through our academic medical center. Clinical trials allow you to access new treatments and potentially lifesaving therapies. Our AYA cancer doctors are part of a select network that coordinates and supports clinical trials across the United States and Canada. Your doctor can consider your options based on your age and diagnosis.
Research studies can provide hope and improve your quality of life when other treatments do not work. You may benefit from better outcomes than patients who do not participate in clinical trials.
Teen & Young Adult Health Services
Learn more about specialized teen and young adult health care services at University Health.
