Millennials and Gen Z make up 45% of the U.S. population and the American Cancer Society has identified the unique opportunity to build relationships with these individuals starting at a young age and engage them in a meaningful way throughout their lives. Our approach to young professional engagement has seen enormous success in numerous markets. Thanks to the work of the American Cancer Society, these young adults are more likely to live healthier lives thanks to early detection and increased research. There's also specific ways these generations can give back and take a stand against cancer. By participating, members improve the lives of cancer patients and their families through advocacy, discoveries, and patient support through mission based activities and fundraising opportunities to create a lasting impact across the country.
About 80,000 young adults aged 20 to 39 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. About 5% of all cancers are diagnosed in people in this age range.
About 9,000 young adults die from cancer each year. Cancer is the 4th leading cause of death in this age group, behind only accidents, suicide, and homicide. It’s the leading cause of death from disease among females in this age group, and is second only to heart disease among males.
Young women are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than young men, but young men and women are equally likely to die of cancer.
Survival rates for cancer in young adults have not changed much in recent decades, unlike the improvements seen in many cancers in children and older adults. Survival rates can vary a great deal, based on the type of cancer and other factors.
Find resources to help you and your loved ones manage your lives through treatment and recovery, and get the emotional support you need.
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Sharing stories is our way of inspiring hope and raising awareness. Read stories of real people who have survived cancer – and the positive impact the American Cancer Society had on their cancer journey – and hear from those who are making a difference in the lives of people with cancer and their families.
We could not do our amazing work without our national partners. Thank you to all of our national partnerships. If you are interested in partnering with our young professionals chapters, please complete this interest form to get more information. and one of our staff will be with you in a few business days.
When completing the form, select Other under areas of interest and type in Young Professionals.
