The Paul Foundation recognizes the unique needs of the adolescent and young adult population and is proud to be partnering with the Lymphoma Research Foundation on an initiative that will address the special needs of this population. We plan to launch in June – please check back then for much more information.
Why are we doing this? An estimated 67,000 adolescents and young adults (AYA) are diagnosed with cancer annually. Lymphomas now represent roughly 5% of all new malignancies diagnosed in the United States, in the last major analysis conducted by the National Cancer Institute, while they account for 19% of all cancers in 15- to 29-year-olds. Young people with lymphoma face a difficult and complex process as it relates to their diagnosis and treatment. Factors that may account for these challenges and related outcomes among AYAs include:
- Delayed diagnosis
- Limited understanding of the biology and etiology of those cancers which impact this population
- Low access to and participation in clinical trials
- Unique psychosocial and supportive care needs
- Long-term healthcare concerns, including long-term treatment side effects and secondary cancers
Coupled with the fact that the more than 67 subtypes of lymphoma are complex diseases and notorious for recurrence, AYAs who receive a lymphoma diagnosis face unique challenges in understanding and treating their cancer, as well as an often difficult transition to post-treatment survivorship.What are the areas of emphasis for the Initiative? The Paul Foundation is proud to sponsor the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) in their development of a programmatic and awareness initiative in 2014 that will draw attention to the needs of the AYA lymphoma population; educate the key constituencies on the disease and the impact it has on this population; and provide education, resources and programming that will meet the unique needs of AYAs who receive a lymphoma diagnosis. We know that the research arms and policy/legislative component of the initiative will help make a difference for many others. LRF is the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to funding innovative research and serving the lymphoma community through a comprehensive series of education programs, outreach initiatives and patient services.
