AYA@USC – The Adolescent and Young Adult Program
We are building a new program at USC – in collaboration with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles – tailored specifically for the needs of patients ages 15–39, adolescent and young adults (AYA). Once established, the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital will be among the first cancer centers in the country to have such a program.
The need for
AYA@USC – The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program is great. In the United States, cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for AYA patients, while over 70,000 are diagnosed with cancer each year including over 4,000 in the Los Angeles basin.
While survival rates from cancer among adult and pediatric patients have greatly improved, progress with AYA patients has significantly lagged. This stems from their distinct needs associated with their newfound sense of independence often resulting in a gap for medical care. It is also complicated by a great lack of scientific research – clinical, basic, and population based –focused specifically on this population.
The
AYA@USC team will comprise the most advanced and innovative AYA program in Southern California. We will tailor many of our existing clinical programs, expand our social services – including increasing access to fertility preservation – an important concern among this age group, plus strengthen and expand our research from clinical trials to basic scientific studies – all with a focus on the distinct needs of AYA patients.
AYA@USC leadership includes our Executive Committee with
Dr. Stuart Siegel,
Dr. Debu Tripathy,
Laurel Barosh, and
Janet Villarmia. Our Steering Committee is comprised of diverse leadership that includes our leading scientists, clinicians, supportive services, and patient advocates at both USC Norris and CHLA. They include:
Dennis Deapen,
Amy Dilbeck,
Dr. David Freyer,
Ann Hamilton,
Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz,
Carol Marcusen,
Dr. Leo Mascarenhas,
Dr. Larry Neinstein,
Dr. David Quinn,
Kathy Ruccione,
Dr. Steven Sener, and
Dr. Mike Wong.
To support our efforts, please visit:
www.USCNorris.com/DonateAYA
For more information, simply contact:
AYA@USC.EDU
