The Society for Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (SAYAO) is an international professional organization dedicated to improving adolescent and young adult cancer care through the promotion of interdisciplinary research, education, communication, and collaboration among health professionals.
We believe adolescent and young adults between the ages of 15 and 39 are a distinct patient population within oncology. Pediatric and adult oncology research and clinical agendas are not designed to focus on the unique biological, clinical, psychosocial, and survivorship issues of this age group. Therefore, significant advances in adolescent and young adult cancer (AYA) care can best be achieved through an AYA-specific focus.
To change cancer care through the advancement of prevention, outcomes, and meaningful survivorship for adolescent and young adult cancer patients.
"As I became increasingly aware of the unique issues and needs of the under-recognized AYA oncology patients and survivors, my passion for these patients grew and led me to my recent international-level work to increase awareness and recognition of this population. To truly advance care for this population, AYA oncology must be recognized as a distinct subspecialty, with a professional organization and publication to support it. SAYAO and Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (JAYAO) are the culmination of this impetus, and I am thrilled and honored to have created this central forum for AYA oncology professionals."
— Leonard S. Sender, MD, Founder, President
Leonard S. Sender, MD, President
University of California, Irvine and CHOC Children's Hospital
Bradley J. Monk, MD
Creighton University School of Medicine
at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
David M. Thomas, MBBS, PhD
Peter MacCallum Cancer Center
Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD
Northwestern University
Brad Zebrack, PhD, MSW, MPH
University of Michigan