On the rise
Early onset cancers have increased by nearly 80% since 1990.
Early Onset Cancer Program
The Early Onset Cancer Program provides care and support for patients diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18 and 49. Our mission is to reduce the burden of cancer and improve the quality of life for patients with early onset cancer and their families.
Trending
Early onset breast cancer is the most common, but early onset gastrointestinal cancers have the fastest-growing new-case rates.
Gen X - Millennials
Gen X (born 1965 – 1980) and Millennials (born 1981 – 1996) may be at higher risk of 17 different cancers compared to older generations. Rates could remain high for decades, so Gen Z and Gen Alpha could have similar risks as they age.
About Us
Early onset cancers (also sometimes called early age onset cancer) are any cancer diagnosed in adults under the age of 50.
They are defined this way because most cancers are diagnosed as we age, in our 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond.
The Early Onset Cancer team prioritizes adults under age 50 with cancer through a dedicated program for their needs. Our new program is also the first of its kind to serve all early onset cancer patients, regardless of type, from one centralized hub.
The Early Onset Cancer Program highlights Yale Cancer Center’s vision to unify research and clinical care to eliminate the burden of cancer for all – especially for adults under age 50.
The Early Onset Cancer Program shines a spotlight on equity across all aspects of our program. We create meaningful partnerships with our community and intentionally include underrepresented groups in our research, outreach, and programs.
Director of the Early-Onset Cancer Program, Dr. Veda Giri, explains what the program is and why it is important.
Cancer Care
Our top priority is to find the best way to deliver exceptional care when it’s needed the most. We lead the way in helping early onset patients at Yale, Smilow, and across Connecticut access quality cancer care. This includes expanding connections to other important services, like genetic testing and family planning (fertility preservation).
Groundbreaking Research
Our research priorities for early onset cancers are broad and far-reaching. We hope to discover why these cancers are becoming more common earlier in life, learn more about patient outcomes, and improve patients’ quality of life.
Support
The Early Onset Cancer Program offers support related to cancer (sometimes called psychosocial support). We support patients and families by addressing cancer's impact on home life, work & school, family duties, and relationships through key partnerships across Yale Cancer Center, Smilow Cancer Hospital, and local community organizations.
Community
We also work within our community to build strong relationships, raise awareness about early onset cancers, and improve access to the resources at Yale Cancer Center. The community’s voice drives our program creation and is always front-of-mind for us.
Our Programs
The Early Onset Cancer Program offers a multi-pronged program guided by our core mission. For those who choose to enroll in our program, we offer exclusive patient and family-centered support that features several options:
Patient and Family Programs
Our patient and family programs prioritize engagement with families and a specialized experience.Research
Our expert investigators are learning more about early onset cancers every day to improve quality of life for patients and families.
Provider Programs
We are developing new pathways to help patients with early onset cancers receive cutting-edge care.
Community Outreach
Our community outreach and partnerships co-create a sustainable Early Onset Cancer Program that benefits everyone.
- November 23, 2024Source: USA TODAY
Dave Coulier and when everyone in your family gets cancer
- November 20, 2024
WICC Radio: Dr. Nancy Borstelmann on Mental Health and Social Challenges for Early Onset Cancer Survivors
- November 04, 2024
First Annual Enrollment and Community Health Fair hosted by Smilow Cancer Hospital and ACS
- October 28, 2024
Dr. Veda Giri on Yale Cancer Answers: A Rise in Early Onset Cancers: What Does it Mean?
Events
Dec 202424Tomorrow
Everyone Everyone
Dec 202426Thursday
Everyone Everyone
Dec 202427Friday
Everyone
- November 22, 2024Source: Yahoo
A 34-year-old teacher finally got on 'Jeopardy!' after 15 years. He has stage IV colon cancer.
- November 18, 2024Source: Newsweek
Why Doctors Think Colon Cancer Is on the Rise in Gen Z and Millennials
- November 12, 2024Source: eCancer
Living Flat: Study sheds light on challenges for women of color after breast cancer surgery
- November 11, 2024Source: The Wall Street Journal
She Beat Cancer at 27. Her Struggle Was Just Beginning.
Meet our Team
Professor of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology); Division Chief, Clinical Cancer Genetics; Director, Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program; Director, Early Onset Cancer Program
Instructor; Chief of Family and Behavioral Health Services (Hematology/Oncology), Yale Child Study Center; Co-Director, Early Onset Cancer Program, Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital
Assistant Professor; Assistant Program Director, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program