1. The Teen and Young Adult Program at MSKCC
October 26, 2016

2. The Adolescent and Young Adult Movement
AYA Definition
About 70,000 young people (ages 15-39) are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States – accounting for about 5 percent of cancer diagnoses in the United States.
National Conversation
Public and Hospital Based Programs

3. The Initiative… $1 Million gift to establish exclusive space
Institutional Definition and Commitment
Defined Population: 16 – 28 years old, in active treatment
Approximately 700 patients per year; majority of diagnoses:
Leukemia
Lymphoma
Germ Cell/ Testicular
Thyroid
Sarcoma
MSK’s Program:
Inpatients and Outpatients, all MSK sites
Non-clinical: no medical interventions

4. A Brief History: Research and Planning
2014:
Initial Taskforce is Formed
Members: social work, child life, administration, psychiatry, medical and nursing oncology (active and long term follow up)
Goals: Identify immediate needs of TYA patient population, discuss strategies for forming a program, assess other institution’s programs, survey MSK patients, complete mission statement
National AYA Programs Survey: interviewed 7 AYA program directors/coordinators about their programs
MSK Patient Surveys and Focus Groups

5. Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA)
AYA vs TYA
Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA)
Teens and Young Adults (TYA)

6. Mission Statement
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) recognizes that the diagnosis and treatment experience of Teen and Young Adult (TYA) patients is unique. To improve the TYA patient experience during active treatment, we offer services that decrease isolation, improve connectivity between patients and their peers, and address their psychological, developmental and social needs.

7. Onsite, Online and Outside Programming and Events
The Lounge
The Mobile App
Peer to Peer
Program
Onsite, Online and Outside Programming and Events

8. Programs & Age Groups The Lounge: 16 – 28 years old
Programming and Events:
Onsite, External, Web Based
varied by age groupings
Mobile App:
18 – 28 years old
Peer to Peer:
Survivors (up to age 35 years old) matched with
patients in active treatment and/or parents
Bedside Activities:

9. Location: 14th Floor, Bobst Building
Hours: 1pm – 7pm
For our teen and young adult patients, ages 16 to late twenties and their guests.
We offer:
Kitchen stocked with snacks
Computer stations
TV with cable and movies
Board games
Art supplies and crafts
Books and resources
Video games and tournaments
Weekly programming and special events
Dry-erase graffiti wall
Movie nights

11. Wordfall: Currents Francie Hester & Lisa Hill Installation

12. The Mobile App: 2016 Release
For young adults with cancer, the TYA app is a community that enables people to connect with each other, share their experiences, and find reliable answers to their questions. Unlike mainstream social networks, this app is a secure, private network of peers and experts discussing life during and after cancer treatment at MSK.

14. Peer 2 Peer Program
A support program that connects TYA patients with others who have completed treatment and can share their knowledge about navigating MSK and coping with cancer as a young person.

15. Questions?