Key points:
Children’s Minnesota provides specialized cancer care for adolescents and young adults ages 15–30, addressing medical, developmental and psychosocial needs.
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), teens and young adults with cancer achieve strong outcomes with pediatric treatment protocols.
The adolescent and young adult cancer program supports patients in maintaining education, independence and quality of life during prolonged treatment.
When Stephen arrived at Children’s Minnesota, he was a 16‑year‑old high school student searching for answers. He was sick and exhausted and hoped doctors could figure out what was going on. Testing confirmed that he had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Stephen was diagnosed at a critical stage in his life — adolescence. His cancer treatment was going to intersect with his final years of high school and transition to college. His care was coordinated through Children’s Minnesota’s adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer program, which is specifically designed for patients ages 15–30.
Why pediatric based care matters for AYA patients
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) finds that adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer often experience better outcomes when treated in pediatric settings and using pediatric treatment protocols. Children’s Minnesota leads the region in delivering this evidence‑based model of care for AYA patients.
“Our Adolescent and Young Adult cancer program is designed to meet patients where they are — medically, emotionally and developmentally,” said Chelsea Self, MD, program director of the AYA cancer program at Children’s Minnesota. “Research shows that teens and young adults often respond better to pediatric treatment approaches, and our program delivers this specialized care while also supporting the life needs that are so important during this stage.”
Coordinated, multidisciplinary care across the cancer continuum
Stephen began treatment shortly after diagnosis and went on to complete approximately two and a half years of chemotherapy. His care included induction therapy followed by an intensive and carefully monitored chemotherapy schedule.
A defining feature of Children’s Minnesota’s AYA cancer program is its focus on helping patients continue life milestones during treatment. For Stephen, that meant completing high school and beginning college while still receiving chemotherapy.
“Being treated in a program that understood what it meant to be a teenager going through cancer while also managing school made a huge difference,” Stephen said. “They helped me keep moving forward, even when things were really hard.”
Transitioning to survivorship and long-term follow‑up
Today, Stephen returns to Children’s Minnesota for survivorship follow-up visits every six months. He is thriving in college, serves as student body president at Augsburg University, and plans to pursue a career that allows him to make a difference in others’ lives.
About the AYA Cancer Program at Children’s Minnesota
The AYA program at Children’s Minnesota provides consultation, evaluation, and treatment to patients ages 15 up to 30 years. Board-certified providers practice using individualized treatment protocols based on tumor cell biology while addressing the unique physiologic and psychologic needs of this age group. We accept new patients within 48 hours of referral. To refer a patient, please contact Children’s Minnesota Physician Access at 866-755-2121.
