The Young Adult Cancer Program offers the following services, with more continuing to be introduced:
- Specialized care: Tailored specifically for each patient, a treatment plan from our multidisciplinary care team with expertise in meeting the unique needs of young adults with cancer.
- Virtual support groups: The ability to connect and build relationships with other young adult cancer patients.
- Psychosocial/mental health counseling: Coping strategies and emotional support to address the emotional distress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Work/school: Navigating the concerns of working or attending school during treatment, when many adult cancer patients have just begun their career or are in the middle of their education .
- Patient and caregiver/family education: Guidance and support for parents, children, and other family members or caregivers while the patient is going through their experience with cancer.
- Fertility preservation: Outreach from the Fox Chase oncofertility program to share information on the potential effects of treatment on fertility, available fertility preservation options and available financial resources.
- Access to all Fox Chase Resources: Including financial guidance, survivorship, clinical trials and more.
The Young Adult Cancer team provides targeted support and resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by young adults with cancer, ultimately enhancing their care experiences and outcomes. This project is a testament to our team’s dedication to quality care and our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of our patient population.
Christopher Cann, MD
Executive Director
Young Adult Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology/Oncology
Fox Chase Gastrointestinal Cancer Program
Daniel Stapor, MD
Director of Hematologic Malignancies
Young Adult Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Anjali Albanese, MSW, LSW, OSW-C
Licensed Social Worker, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Mark Itzen, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Disha Sawhney, FACHDM, FRSPH
Program Director
Young Adult Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Operations Manager, Clinical Service Lines
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Margaret von Mehren, MD
Senior Faculty Advisor
Young Adult Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Chief, Division of Sarcoma Medical Oncology
Vice Chair, Department of Hematology/Oncology
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Enrollment into the Young Adult Cancer Program is as follows:
- When a Fox Chase nurse navigator meets with a new patient that is younger than 40, that information is shared with the Young Adult Cancer team for automatic enrollment in the program. Meanwhile, a nurse navigator supports the patient with identifying a provider, setting up appointments, and guiding them through the process.
- The patient typically meets with the medical oncologist first, followed by radiation and surgical oncologists.
- A representative from the Young Adult Cancer team will then reach out with information about the program and its offerings.
- The patient will fill out a needs assessment survey to share their biggest concerns where they would benefit most from subspecialized support, resources and referrals.
- The patient and family members receive ongoing support from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship, and beyond.
Ready to join the Young Adult Cancer Program?
- New to Fox Chase? Request an appointment with one of our specialists to get started.
- Already a Fox Chase patient? Talk to your care team to enroll.