Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program

Our Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program specializes in addressing the individual needs of young people ages 13 to 39 as they navigate their cancer journey. This specialized program is a joint effort Stead Family Children’s Hospital and Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Request an Appointment
For Cancer related requests:
1-319-356-4200
For all other requests:
1-800-777-8442

Finding out you have cancer is hard. For young people, a cancer diagnosis presents a unique set of challenges.

The care you receive should consider some important factors, including your education, career, and family plans—as well as your mental and physical health.

Research shows better results for patients who participate in programs with expertise in treating both adult and children’s cancer. Our AYA Cancer Program combines the expertise of Iowa’s only comprehensive children’s hospital and its only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.

Services offered by our AYA Cancer Program

Coordinated Cancer Care
Your dedicated nurse coordinator provides you with access to services and additional support based on your needs. Then teams of pediatric and adult cancer specialists—including oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and geneticists—work together to determine specific treatment options for you.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials help advance medical research while providing the newest treatment options available. The AYA Cancer Program assigns patients to appropriate clinical trials, including enrolling adult patients on pediatric trials and vice versa. The program also develops new clinical trials specifically to help AYA patients.
Fertility and Reproductive Health
Many cancer treatments can can affect your fertility and your ability to have children later in life. Your AYA cancer care team will discuss fertility options with you before treatment begins and assist in the preservation process and future family planning when needed.
Pain Management and Palliative Care
Pain and palliative care team members help to manage pain and other symptoms from cancer and your treatment and provide assistance to patients needing transition to hospice or palliative care.
Supportive Care
The AYA Cancer Program supports your mental well-being.

A dedicated counselor provides support to you and your caregivers and can help you process feelings and emotions related to your cancer diagnosis. The counselor also will help you build coping skills, mindfulness techniques, and better sleep habits and can help you identify anxiety and depression.

A Patient and Family Specialist helps you with self-expression and coping skills and provides activities for patients who are in the hospital, including memory-making and legacy activities. The AYA Cancer Program also offers opportunities for you to connect with other AYA patients through social outings and meet-ups.
Survivorship Planning
The AYA cancer care team helps you manage side effects and late effects of treatment and helps with the transition to receiving care from your primary care provider to ensure that you are as healthy as possible after treatment.

Locations and Offices

Clinical Cancer Center - 4th Floor Infusion Suite
Pomerantz Family Pavilion (PFP)
Level 4, Elevator L
1-319-356-4200
Clinic
Clinical Cancer Center
In Medical Center on the University Campus
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Clinical Cancer Center - Main Infusion Suite
21602 Pomerantz Family Pavilion (PFP)
Level 2, Elevator M
1-319-356-4200
Clinic
Interior image of the Clinical Cancer Center at UI Hospitals & Clinics
In Medical Center on the University Campus
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Radiation Oncology Clinic
01505 Pomerantz Family Pavilion (PFP)
Lower Level, Elevator M
1-319-356-4200
Clinic
Exterior image of UI Hospitals & Clinics
In Medical Center on the University Campus
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Clinical Trials currently in progress
Browse all clinical trials in progress

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Patient Stories

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Patrick was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when he was 13. At that age, doctors say, cancer begins to act differently than it does in younger children,...

Educational Resources

What to expect during cancer treatment
Dry mouth during cancer treatment
Sore mouth during cancer treatment
Nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment
Taste changes during cancer treatment
Difficulty swallowing and chewing during cancer treatment
Too tired to cook during cancer treatment
Constipation during cancer treatment
Gas and bloating during cancer treatment
Diarrhea during cancer treatment
Loss of appetite or weight during cancer treatment
Food safety during cancer treatment
Thoughts for the caregiver/cook during cancer treatment
Tips for better sleep for cancer patients
The complete blood count: A guide for patients with cancer

Support Groups

Henry County Outreach Support Group
New Wonderers Support group

Curriculum will include cancer education, expression of feelings, identifying stress and coping techniques with hope for the future.  Activities and craft supplies will be mailed to each kid prior to the first session. There is no charge for these support groups.

Ages 6 to 11

  • School ages 5 to 11 whose parent is a Cancer Center patient and has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
  • Four weeks via Zoom, Wednesdays, Nov. 6, 13, 20 & Dec. 4, 2024, 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Ages 12 to 18

  • Teens ages 12 to 18 whose parent is a Cancer Center patient and has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
  • Four weeks via Zoom, Wednesdays, Nov. 6, 13, 20 & Dec. 4, 2024, 7:00 to 8:00 pm

New Wonderers Support group is a collaboration by the Adolescent Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program, Child Life and the University of Iowa Department of Health & Human Physiology

Yoga Support Group for Cancer Survivors - Iowa City

This group is open to any cancer survivor in the community. Participants must submit a signed medical waiver prior to starting. Waivers can be faxed or emailed. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring your own yoga mat.

Meetings are held over zoom.

Community Education Resources