The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Awareness Week is here! Taking place on 1-5 April 2024, this week is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer among adolescents and young adults. At SIOPE, we are deeply committed to this cause and have a specialized AYA Committee dedicated to advancing AYA cancer care in Europe. Join us in spreading awareness and support throughout this important campaign.
Day 1: Meet the SIOP Europe AYA Committee
Kicking off AYA Cancer Awareness Week, we introduce the cornerstone of our efforts: the SIOPE AYA Committee. Comprised of experts in AYA cancer care, this committee plays a pivotal role in driving initiatives to improve outcomes and support for young cancer patients.
Established during the SIOP Europe Annual meeting in 2019, with a mission aimed at providing strategic direction and input, the committee actively collaborates with existing networks and groups such as ENTYAC and the ESMO/SIOPE AYA Working Group. Additionally, it liaises with professional and patient organizations, effectively bringing AYA cancer issues to the forefront of the political agenda. Through their comprehensive efforts, the SIOPE AYA Committee champions advancements in research, support, and advocacy, ensuring a brighter future for adolescents and young adults facing cancer.
Stay tuned as we delve into their invaluable contributions throughout the AYA week.
Day 2: The First SIOPE AYA Course 2023 - Free YouTube Recordings
On the second day, we shine a spotlight on the SIOP Europe AYA Course. This was an online course that took place in September 2023, organized by the SIOP Europe AYA Committee. The course titled “Caring for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA),” aimed at raising awareness about the challenges of adolescents and young adults with cancer.
Take advantage of this educational opportunity to deepen your understanding of AYA cancer, as recordings are now available for free on our YouTube channel. Access the recordings here.
Day 3: Spotlight on the EU CAYAS NET project
Continuing our journey through AYA Cancer Awareness Week, we highlight the EU CAYAS NET project, a collaborative EU project, where SIOPE has an active role.
The aim of this project is to establish an EU Network of Youth Cancer Survivors by bringing together existing stakeholder organisations, and through this network, improve social networking and develop a platform to improve links amongst individuals, patients, CAYA cancer survivors, carers, researchers, and social and health professionals active in cancer prevention and care across the Union.
SIOP Europe is working on WP4 and WP5. Want to learn more about this project? Visit here.
Day 4: AYA Session at the Annual Meeting - Save the Date!
As our awareness week draws to a close, we extend an invitation to join us at the SIOPE Annual Meeting and tune in for the AYA session, scheduled for Thursday, 16th of May.
This is a joint session by the SIOP Europe AYA Committee and ESMO/SIOPE AYA Working Group on the topic of “Sharing and integrating big data sets in the AYA cancer population.”
Register now for the Annual Meeting!
Day 5: A Collection of Additional Resources
On the final day of AYA Cancer Awareness Week, we provide a roundup of additional resources and links essential for AYA cancer care. These resources offer valuable support for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike. Explore, learn, and empower yourself in the fight against AYA cancer.
- The STARS Study
- NCCP Child, Adolescent and Young Adult (CAYA) Cancer Annual Report
- Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Trends Report
- "I was only sixteen" - A hymn for AYAs with cancer
Thank you for joining us in raising awareness and support for adolescents and young adults battling cancer.
Follow this campaign on social media, with the hashtag: #SIOPEAYAweek