Receiving a blood cancer diagnosis at any age is overwhelming. For young adults, it's often an unexpected shock that can disrupt life and limit independence with breathtaking speed.
If you’re a young adult with blood cancer, know you are not facing this diagnosis alone. We have the support, resources, and a community that understands what you're going through. We can help you learn ways to retain your independence, be your own advocate, and if you’re interested, become an advocate for others with blood cancer.
Working with your care team
Choosing a blood cancer specialist or a treatment center for young adults
One of the first choices you’ll make for your care will be selecting a specialist to manage your treatment and/or choosing a treatment center. Here’s what to consider.
Blood, bone marrow, and the lymphatic system in young adults
Knowing how your blood, bone marrow, and the lymphatic system all work within the body will help you better understand your blood cancer diagnosis and treatment options.
Lab and imaging tests for young adults
Your doctor may use several of these common lab and imaging tests to help diagnose your cancer or find certain genetic characteristics that will help them decide the right treatment for you.
How to organize your medical records
Keeping organized records of tests and information helps you play a more active, informed role in your care. You can find suggestions on what your files should include; we also offer our free Health Manager app to help you stay organized.
Communicating with your specialist and care team as a young adult
Understand who’s who on your healthcare team and the questions you might want to ask them throughout your treatment journey.
Your treatment options
Making blood cancer treatment decisions as a young adult
Learn how to get a second opinion, questions to ask your care team, before you move forward with a treatment plan.
Types of blood cancer treatment for young adults
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific type of blood cancer, but there are some common cancer treatments you may discuss with your doctor.
Integrative medicine and complementary therapies for young adults
Complementary therapies can boost your well-being without interfering with standard treatments. Find out how they might help manage symptoms and reduce side treatment effects.
Know your rights, manage your finances
Managing finances and insurance coverage for young adults
Use these tools, guides, and lists of free resources to help manage your finances before, during, and after treatment.
Managing school during blood cancer treatment as a young adult
Some people continue to attend school through cancer treatment; others take a leave of absence. Find resources to help you make decisions about college or training programs.
Employment rights of young adult cancer survivors and caregivers
Learn how to best protect yourself from employment discrimination by advocating for your rights in the workplace.
Managing daily life
How do I tell people I have cancer?
As a young adult with blood cancer, how much you choose to share about your diagnosis—and with whom—is your personal choice. Here are some things to consider when making these important decisions.
Parenting as a young adult with blood cancer
Juggling parenting with cancer treatments isn’t easy, especially if you are a young parent who is finding yourself relying on caregivers during treatment. Use these tips to help you, your children, and caregivers cope with the changes.
Managing blood cancer treatment side effects as a young adult
Reactions vary from person to person, but you can learn more about common side effects that you may experience from your treatment and how to cope with them.
Vaccination and blood cancer for young adults
Find guidance and resources for young adults undergoing blood cancer treatment.
Fertility and reproductive health for young adults
Learn about the factors to consider before you begin your treatment and the steps you can take to maximize your ability to have a child in the future.
Sexual health and intimacy for young adults
Find out what to expect, how to cope, and how to talk to your partner and your healthcare team about intimacy.
Food and nutrition for young adults
Understand how a healthy diet will keep your body strong, support your immune system, and may even help you tolerate treatment side effects better.
Home care for young adults
Find out about different types of home care, if it’s the right choice for you, and what to ask your doctor.
End-of-life care for young adults
The terminal phase of an illness may require you, your loved ones, and your family to make important and difficult decisions. Find resources for the emotional, financial, and legal support you may need at this time.
Mental health in young adults
The term “mental health” includes your emotional and psychological well-being. Your mental health guides how you handle stress, manage relationships, and make decisions. Mental health, like physical health, is important to your overall well-being.
Survivorship and life after treatment
Follow-up care and survivorship for young adults
Follow-up care, staying healthy, and managing long-term treatment side effects can help you get back to doing what you love.
Firefighters and blood cancer risk in young adults
Some occupations, including firefighting, come with an increased risk for blood cancer due to certain environmental exposures. Find how to mitigate those risks as well as available resources.
Additional resources for young adults
Find additional materials, booklets, videos, podcasts, and more to support you and your caregiver while undergoing cancer treatment.
Get FREE personalized information and support.
Highly trained oncology professionals with expertise in pediatric and adult blood cancers are available to speak with patients, one-on-one, at absolutely no cost.
Blood cancer information specialists
Connect with oncology social workers and nurses who provide patients and caregivers with accurate disease and treatment information along with access to comprehensive resources and support.
Call Toll Free: +1-800-955-4572 | Live Chat | EmailClinical trial nurse navigators
Get support from registered nurses with expertise in blood cancers who personally assist patients and caregivers throughout each step of the clinical trial process.
Request Support | EmailSpeak to a registered dietitian who has expertise in oncology nutrition and provides patients and their caregivers with free nutrition consultations, by phone.
ScheduleBlood Cancer United resources
Find free, specialized guidance and information for every type of blood cancer, request financial support, find emotional support, and connect with other members of the blood cancer community.
