Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers

Around 200 children are diagnosed every year with cancer up to the age of 16, with 180-190 adolescents between 16 and 25 years diagnosed every year.  Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancers Services provide specialised care to patients aged between 16 and 24 year old who face unique challenges in their journey.  

AYA services provide a holistic approach to young patients living with and beyond cancer. The AYA service carries on beyond chemotherapy into the time when patient enter remission. Support is provided by a group of physicians, specialised nurses, social workers and psychologists to help the young person get back to their peer groups, get back to school and to help them with any potential long-term side effect such as depression.

Nora Goaley (22) from Corofin in Galway has attended the AYA service at Galway University Hospitals (GUH) throughout her cancer journey. Watch Nora's story here: