Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer

Brain tumors are one of the more common types of cancer in adolescents and young adults. There are many types of brain and spinal cord tumors, and the treatment and outlook for each is different. Not all brain tumors are cancers. However, because of their location, most need treatment.

Breast cancer is cancer of the breast tissue. It’s more common in women but can also occur in men. Breast cancer is more common as people age, and it’s more common in young adults than adolescents.

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the large intestine or rectum. It is becoming more common among young people above the age of 25. In young adults, colorectal cancer is more likely to be linked to an inherited genetic condition that greatly increases a person's risk. In older adults, screening tests might catch this cancer early, but in younger people without an increased risk, colorectal cancer is often diagnosed because of symptoms.

Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells that starts in the blood and bone marrow. There are different types of leukemia. The more common types of leukemia in adolescents and young adults are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 

Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system cells called lymphocytes. It is often found in lymph nodes or in other lymph tissues, or sometimes in the tonsils or thymus. Lymphoma can also affect the bone marrow and other organs.

Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocytes, or pigment cells, of the skin. It is more likely to occur in older adults, but it is also found in younger people, especially younger women. Melanoma that runs in families can occur at a younger age.

Ovarian cancer is a cancer of the ovaries in women. Some types of ovarian cancers, known as germ cell tumors, are more common in teens and young women.

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in younger people. Most cases occur in adolescents and young adults. It often starts in the bones of the arm or leg.

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common type of bone cancer in younger people. Most cases occur in teens and young adults. It usually starts in the hip (pelvic) bones, the bones in the chest wall (such as the ribs or shoulder blades), the bones of the spine, and the long bones of the legs.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) starts in cells that normally form connective tissues. These include muscle, fat, bone, or lining of the joints and blood vessels. RMS can develop almost anywhere in the body, but the most common areas are the head, neck, bladder, reproductive organs, arms, legs, chest, or belly. 

Testicular cancer is a cancer of the testicles in men. About half of testicular cancers occur in men between the ages of 20 and 34, but it can occur at any age, including in teens.

Thyroid cancer is a cancer of the thyroid gland, which is found in the front part of the neck. The thyroid gland makes hormones that help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. The risk of thyroid cancer tends to go up as people get older, but it’s found more often in younger people than most other adult cancers.