St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Care for Teenagers with Cancer

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital treats patients from birth through age 20 (up to 21st birthday). Teenagers and young adults (AYA, ages 15–39) receive specialized care through the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program.

AYA Program Features

• Dedicated AYA team: Oncologists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers, child life specialists, fertility experts, education/vocation liaisons.
• Age-appropriate environment: Teen lounge, study spaces, gaming, music/art therapy, peer support groups.
• Clinical trial access: St. Jude leads pediatric/AYA trials; priority enrollment for eligible patients.
• Fertility preservation: Sperm banking, oocyte/ovarian tissue cryopreservation before treatment—fully funded.
• Psychosocial support: Identity, body image, relationships, school/career disruption, survivorship planning.
• Transition planning: Seamless handoff to adult providers at age 21.

Eligibility & Referral

• Newly diagnosed or relapsed cancer, age ≤20 at referral.
• Physician referral required; insurance not required (St. Jude covers treatment, travel, housing, food).
• International patients accepted (limited slots).

Why AYA-Specific Care Matters

• Unique tumor biology (different from pediatric/adult).
• Developmental stage: autonomy, peers, education, fertility, identity.
• Historically worse outcomes than younger children ("AYA gap").

St. Jude's AYA program closes that gap—combining world-class science with holistic, age-attuned support.