Health Equity

Adolescent and young adult cancer patients and survivors are the most underserved patient population by age. Compared to other age groups, AYAs are more likely to be misdiagnosed and receive a late diagnosis. And while the total number of AYAs diagnosed each year continues to grow, survival rates have not improved. Even though they experience unique challenges in treatment and survivorship. AYAs are often treated alongside much older or younger patient populations. Lack of representation in clinical trials is another huge barrier for progress for AYAs. After treatment has finished, AYA cancer survivors are almost 50% more likely to develop additional health conditions later in life, compared to those without a cancer history.

Disparities in health outcomes are compounded for AYA patients of color and other medically marginalized groups. Studies have shown that social determinants of health (access to healthcare, housing, healthy food, employment, etc) and environmental factors (exposure to pollution, toxic chemicals, etc) contribute to health disparities. In addition to these factors, medical bias and discrimination cause further harm. Black and brown patients experience greater delays in diagnosis and worse survival rates after diagnosis compared to white peers, even though there is a higher overall incidence rate of AYA cancer in white patients. Studies show that LGBTQ+ patients experience higher distress, depression, and anxiety than cis and/or heterosexual survivors. Patients with disabilities are likely to experience accessibility challenges, and may face discrimination and barriers to accessing medical care or employment.

Our Commitment

Stupid Cancer is committed to empowering all AYAs impacted by cancer and to advocating for equitable access to health care. It is a priority of our organization to use our resources to amplify the needs of every individual in our community. We will work to improve the quality of life and minimize the health disparities experienced by patients of color, LBGTQ+ patients, and other marginalized communities of AYAs. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to live a healthy life and to Get Busy Living.

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Additional Resources

Learn about the research

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