Understanding the Evolving Needs of Younger Adults With Cancer

Cancer has traditionally been associated with older populations, but that reality is shifting. At the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) 2026 Annual Conference, experts emphasized a concerning trend: more adults under age 50 are being diagnosed with cancer.

Dr. Christopher H. Lieu, the session moderator, said that real increases in incidence across multiple tumor types in younger adults are being seen. He currently serves as the associate director for Clinical Research and co-director, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, at the University of Colorado Anschutz.

According to Lieu, cancers such as colorectal, breast and pancreatic cancer are being diagnosed more frequently in younger populations. Although the exact reasons remain under investigation, contributing factors may include lifestyle changes, environmental exposures, obesity and shifts in screening practices.

However, the panel emphasized that the rise in incidence is only part of the story. Younger adults with cancer often face a very different experience compared with older patients, requiring more individualized care approaches.

“We're seeing this influx, this rapid rise in young adults with cancer, and it never stops being jarring when you're in clinic and you see a new 25-year-old female diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer,” Lieu emphasized. “Treating these patients just like every other patient is likely the wrong thing to do, and we really have to ask ourselves: are we prepared to take care of these patients in a holistic way?”

Unique challenges extend beyond treatment

Younger adults diagnosed with cancer often face challenges that go far beyond the disease itself. These patients may be building careers, starting families or navigating financial independence, all of which can be disrupted by a cancer diagnosis.

Dr. Leidy L. Isenalumhe, a session panelist from the Moffitt Cancer Center, highlighted the emotional and psychosocial toll this can take.

“They're not fully adults, but they're not also children, and they understand what they're losing and what time they're losing; seeing their friends move on and seeing them be stuck in time undergoing treatments,” she said.

Issues such as dating and relationships, body image and long-term financial stability frequently arise in this population. These concerns are often less prominent in older adults, making it essential for care teams to proactively address them.

Moreover, patients are not always going to bring these topics up themselves, according to the panelists, making it important to create space for those conversations and normalize them.

“[Patients] begin to feel more comfortable opening up and bringing up these issues as [time goes on], because they’re not always easy to talk about. I had one patient who asked me, ‘Is it okay to have sexual relationships with my partner?’ and it had already been a year. I told them, ‘Oh my God, yes, you’re able to.’ That’s part of life,” she emphasized. “It’s part of how they identify themselves, and although physical changes occur, that aspect of life is still important for feeling like a whole person. After that experience, I started bringing it up more often during the treatment process, asking, ‘How is your life going? How are you doing? Are you taking time for yourselves?’” 

The panel stressed that improving awareness among both patients and providers is critical to addressing this issue.

Treatment decisions must reflect life stage

Treatment planning for younger adults often involves additional layers of complexity. Standard therapies may still be effective, but the long-term impact of those treatments must be carefully considered.

For example, certain cancer treatments can affect fertility, cardiovascular health or the risk of developing secondary cancers later in life. As a result, discussions about treatment options must include these potential long-term effects.

“I talk about fertility multiple times during the during the treatment because we know that afterwards, they're [thinking], ‘Am I gonna be able to have children? What is the risk factors?’ You tell them all that in the beginning, but it's so overwhelming. There's so much information that I think iterated multiple times is more helpful,” Isenalumhe said.

The panel also discussed the importance of shared decision-making, emphasizing that younger adults often want to be very involved in their care decisions.

Providing clear, accessible information is essential to supporting these decisions.

Survivorship begins at diagnosis

Another major theme of the session was the importance of integrating survivorship care early in the cancer journey.

“Survivorship doesn’t start when treatment ends,” said Dr. Larissa Nekhlyudov, session panelist from Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's Cancer Center. “It begins at diagnosis.”

For younger adults, survivorship care may include managing long-term side effects, monitoring for recurrence and addressing ongoing psychosocial needs. This can also involve helping patients transition back to work, school or family life.

“We need to think about the whole person, not just the cancer,” Nekhlyudov said.

Stephanie Samolovitch, founder and executive director of Young Adult Survivors United, brought a patient advocacy perspective to the discussion.

“Younger survivors often feel like they’re navigating this on their own,” she said. “There’s a gap in services specifically designed for their age group.”

Samolovitch emphasized the importance of community and peer support.

“Connecting with someone who understands your experience can make a huge difference,” she said. “It helps reduce that sense of isolation.”

Building a more supportive care continuum

To better support younger adults, the panelists outlined several strategies that can be implemented across the care continuum.

One key approach is the integration of multidisciplinary care teams. This may include oncologists, social workers, fertility specialists, mental health professionals and financial counselors.

“It really takes a team,” Albanese said. “No single provider can address all of these needs alone.”

The panel also highlighted the importance of age-specific resources and programs. This may include support groups for younger patients, educational materials tailored to their concerns and survivorship programs designed with their long-term needs in mind.

Looking ahead: Improving outcomes for younger patients

Although the challenges are significant, the panelists expressed optimism about the future. Increased awareness of the unique needs of younger adults is already driving changes in care delivery and research.

Research efforts are also expanding to better understand why cancer rates are rising in younger adults and how treatments can be optimized for this group.

“There’s still a lot we don’t know,” Isenalumhe said. “But we’re asking the right questions.”

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that younger adults with cancer receive care that reflects their unique circumstances and supports them at every stage of the journey.

What patients should take away

For younger adults facing a cancer diagnosis, the panelists shared several key takeaways:

• You are not alone. There are resources and communities specifically for younger patients.
• It is important to ask questions and advocate for your needs, including fertility, mental health and financial concerns.
• Survivorship planning should begin early and be part of ongoing care discussions.
• Support services, including social work and peer groups, can play a critical role in improving quality of life.

The patient voice matters, Samolovitch emphasized, saying not to be afraid to speak up about what you need.

References

1. “Welcoming Remarks and Plenary Session: The New Face of Cancer: Supporting Younger Adults Across the Care Continuum,” by Dr. Christopher H. Lieu, et al. Presented at: The NCCN 2026 Annual Conference.

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