Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program
- 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
Clinical Trials
Fertility and Reproductive Health
Pain Management and Palliative Care
Supportive Care
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
Locations and Offices
Clinical Cancer Center - 4th Floor Infusion Suite

Clinical Cancer Center - Main Infusion Suite



Patient Stories
Educational Resources
Support Groups
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 5 to 11
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School ages 5 to 11 whose parent is a Cancer Center patient and has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
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Four weeks November 1 - 29, 2023 via zoom, Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Ages 12 to 18
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Teens ages 12 to 18 whose parent is a Cancer Center patient and has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
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Four weeks November 1 - 29, 2023 16 via zoom, Wednesdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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
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.