AYA Cancer Program at Siteman

The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program at Siteman is a partnership between Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Together WashU Medicine physicians specializing in pediatric and adult cancer care work towards curing cancers that occur in children, teens and young adults.  

Our AYA Program is an innovative, hyper-collaborative approach to treating with multi-disciplinary teams that specialize in different age populations. Cancer doesn’t follow rules; the AYA Program is our best response to that fact. By bringing physician scientists, pediatric and adult oncologists, pathologists, psychologists, fertility specialists and other experts into a single team, our program bridges the developmental differences of teens growing into adulthood and navigates the training differences between pediatrics and adult cancer care. 

Who is part of an AYA Program?

Age and diagnosis are the two primary ways a patient will become a part of the AYA Program at Siteman Kids. Those patients within our program primarily are children in their teens, starting at age 15 and continuing into young adulthood. The age range can vary, depending on the cancer diagnosis. It is important to understand some adults develop childhood cancer. While rare, they may be seen by physicians within the AYA Program. 

How does Siteman’s AYA Program approach treatment?

Adolescents and young adults are developing rapidly physically, emotionally, and socially, and a cancer diagnosis can disrupt this. The AYA Program at Siteman bridges not only the medical gaps in oncology but also helps our young patients transition through very personal milestones like high school graduation, college, and, if they choose, family planning. Every individual is different, so our approach to treatment and support is unique.  

The AYA Program at Siteman sets out to widen access to innovative approaches and treatment from experts in both pediatric and adult oncology. Patients’ physicians collaborate to discuss cases and treatment options. This provides the opportunity to propose new ideas and interventions with the goal of optimizing care.   

We approach every AYA patient asking, “what is the best fit?” Depending on the patient’s needs and diagnosis, they may be seen at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital or at Siteman Cancer Center.  

Why do young adults and their parents choose Siteman?

Young adults diagnosed with cancer and their parents feel confident they will receive the best care as a part of the AYA Program at Siteman. Every patient has a multi-disciplinary team of experts that can transition care as they cross from childhood into adulthood.

Can I ask for a second opinion about my diagnosis?

You can always request a second opinion when researching how to get your child the best pediatric cancer care. It is your right, and it is a common practice; many programs and hospitals encourage it. Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital makes requesting a second opinion easy. Some families move from one program to another, which is not always an easy transition. It is important that you feel confident about the care your child is getting and how their treatment is working. If you are interested in a second opinion from Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, request it here.