Take advantage of the wide range of health care support services for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer at University Health. We're here to guide you along every step of your journey and support your recovery.
Support Beyond Medical Treatments
You may be just finishing high school, starting a career or establishing a family. Everyday life and transitions are already stressors to the mind and body. Experts agree that your age group needs extra help to navigate cancer care successfully. Count on our help to adjust to your cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Dedicated AYA Nurse Navigator
Rely on your AYA nurse navigator to serve as a knowledgeable cancer resource. Your nurse navigator understands the cancer patient journey and our health system. Ask your nurse navigator to help you and your family:
- Understand your cancer diagnosis
- Communicate with your care team
- Make informed treatment decisions
- Plan and schedule treatments
- Locate support resources
- Understand health benefits and insurance claims
Coping with AYA Cancer
You don’t need to face cancer on your own. Expect help from specialized staff, including:
- Genetic counselor
- Explains your inherited risk factors for certain types of cancer
- Makes referrals to genetic testing
- Nutritionist
- Recommends healthy food choices to help you feel better
- Psychiatrist
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- Prescribes medications to alleviate emotional symptoms
- Psychologist
- Treats emotional effects of cancer during or after cancer therapy
- Rehabilitation therapist
- Provides physical, occupational, speech or recreational therapy services to help you regain functions compromised during cancer treatment
AYA Cancer Social Worker
This professional:
- Assists with the emotional, social and physical impact of a cancer diagnosis
- Improves communication with family and friends
- Teaches stress reduction techniques
- Provides information on community resources for aid with lodging, transportation or food
- Eases adjustment to medical treatment
Fertility Preservation Counseling
Cancer and its treatment can affect your ability to have children. Our pediatric oncologists team up with UT Health San Antonio obstetrics and gynecology to create a fertility preservation plan before treatment. Our fertility specialist will explore your options, including:
- Egg freezing and storage for females
- Sperm freezing and storage for males
- Hormonal suppression
AYA Hospital Care & Lounge
Find the largest dedicated AYA oncology hospital unit in Texas at University Hospital on the 7th floor of the Sky Tower. You’ll get coordinated care and stay close to other patients your age if you need to stay in the hospital.
Pass time in our AYA lounge (for ages 18-39) at University Hospital, where you can relax and socialize with other patients. Lounge amenities include:
- Coffee and snacks
- Do-it-yourself art projects
- Full-body massage chairs
- Gaming equipment
- Lending library
Extra Resources
Ask your support team how to find more resources to take care of yourself, such as:
- Community help
- Support groups or online communities
- School support