Watch our webinar introducing the European Network of Youth Cancer Survivors.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs), aged 18 to 39, face unique challenges during and after cancer treatment. This critical stage of life—marked by self-discovery, education, and building relationships—is often disrupted by a lack of specialized care, leaving survivors to navigate fragmented systems with limited resources for their mental, physical, and social well-being. Recognizing these unmet needs, a European Network of Youth Cancer Survivors has been launched to transform cancer care for AYAs through collaboration, advocacy, and empowerment.

This initiative, highlighted during our webinar, brings together survivors, healthcare professionals, and advocates to foster inclusivity and equality in cancer care. By addressing the gaps in existing healthcare systems, the project ensures that young survivors are equipped with the tools and support needed to rebuild fulfilling lives after treatment.

Tailoring Care for Adolescents and Young Adults

Cancer during adolescence and young adulthood is a profoundly different experience compared to other life stages. While older adults often have well-established lives and younger children receive highly specialized care, AYAs find themselves in a grey area of healthcare. They face unique medical, psychological, and social challenges. Many AYAs report struggling with fragmented care systems that fail to provide adequate support for mental health, education, and reintegration into society.

To address these challenges, the EU-CAYAS-NET emphasizes a holistic approach that prioritizes the physical and emotional needs of AYAs. By studying hospital models in countries such as Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands, the initiative has established a position paper advocating for patient-centered care that is consistent and inclusive. These recommendations include the development of dedicated hospital units equipped to provide comprehensive services tailored to this age group.

Focusing on Mental Health and Social Reintegration

A critical area of focus is mental health. AYAs often experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation due to a lack of systematic psychosocial care. Recognizing this, the initiative has worked closely with survivors to create resources like patient-driven guidelines and practical toolkits. These tools help young survivors navigate issues such as returning to work, continuing education, and managing emotional well-being. Survivors have shared how these resources foster resilience and reduce feelings of isolation, making the reintegration process smoother.

Equitable care is another cornerstone of the initiative. Systemic biases related to race, gender, or socioeconomic status often lead to disparities in healthcare. The initiative is committed to addressing these inequities by advocating for inclusive policies and providing training to healthcare professionals, ensuring that all AYAs receive compassionate and fair care.

Empowering Survivors and Building a Supportive Community

The empowerment of young survivors is a key aspect of this initiative. Survivors are encouraged to take active roles in advocacy and community-building. Digital platforms like Discord and BeatCancer.eu have become central hubs for connecting survivors, sharing experiences, and accessing resources. These platforms also foster collaboration and learning, creating a vibrant network where survivors can support one another and drive change.

This European initiative represents a transformative step forward in cancer care for AYAs. By advocating for specialized, inclusive, and patient-driven approaches, EU-CAYAS-NET is paving the way for a future where every young cancer survivor receives the care and support they need.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.beatcancer.eu and watch the full webinar here.