Compared to younger children, cancer rates are higher in adolescents and young adults. However, adolescents and young adults are less likely to receive a prompt diagnosis or be enrolled in clinical trials for innovative treatment. Therefore, cancer survival rates for adolescents and young adults are not only poorer than survival rates for young children, but over the past few decades they've improved the least out of all age groups.

Cleveland Clinic Children’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program treats this specific age group and provides care for patients ages 15-39.

Program benefits

  • Multidisciplinary care: The AYA Cancer team provides longitudinal, coordinated care and offers patients and their families access to a medical care team of multidisciplinary specialists. Our team includes pediatric oncologists, nurse specialists, educational specialists, psychologists and social workers. We also work with the patient's referring specialist or primary care provider.
  • State-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities: Advances in medicine allow us to treat cancers that only a short time ago were considered untreatable. The Children’s Oncology Group is developing specific clinical trials to include patients up to age 50 and we evaluate patients for possible inclusion in these protocols.
  • Quality of life support: Our team constantly strives to help our patients maintain their independence and an active and normal life as possible. We want our patients to experience their lives and not feel limited by their cancer diagnosis.
  • Emotional support: Cancer affects more than a person’s physical health; it also has a large impact on their every day life and emotional health. We work to create an atmosphere of sharing and caring where patients and their parents can get the emotional support they need. Our team of psychologists and Child Life specialists assist patients and their families through the entire medical care experience.
  • Flexibility: We offer flexible clinic hours in order to meet the needs of our patients and their families.

Our Team

Stefanie Thomas, MD
Stefanie Thomas, MD
Staff

Appointments & Location

To make an appointment with our team, please call 216.444.5517 or 800.223.2273 ext. 45517, select option 1 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.).

Location

The AYA Cancer Program is located at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Outpatient Center, R Building.

For your child's enjoyment, our waiting room has laptops, DVDs, a Foosball table, karaoke machine and more to use while you wait for your appointment.