Lisa and Scott Stuart Center for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancers
Treating Adolescent and Young Adults at MSK
This comprehensive clinical and research center is transforming the experience, care and outcomes for adolescents and young adults with cancer.
Get in touch with us by emailing us at Ayaprogram@mskcc.org.
VIDEO | 03:18
Learn more about the mission of the Lisa and Scott Stuart Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers at MSK.
You don't have to navigate this journey on your own. We will be here for you every step of the way — from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
Learn more about AYA services at MSK
Looking to Connect?
Connect with other young adults with cancer.
Learn more about our teen and young adult program
Answers to Your FAQ
We've compiled the answers to your frequently asked questions.
As patients at MSK, we all have one thing in common. The AYA program really catered to me. You get to meet others going through your situation. Sometimes you really need that validation, to know 'I'm different but you did it, and maybe I too can do this.'
Desiree Allen, diagnosed with sarcoma at 31
After the first month, I received outpatient care. Kids want to sleep in their own beds at night. I missed my freshman and sophomore year of high school, but MSK sent teachers and set me up with tutors, and I graduated on time.
David Asch, diagnosed with leukemia at 14
At MSK, it's not just about hitting the cancer with medicine. There's a well-rounded approach, and [the AYA team] is always just a phone call away.
Tyler Wong, diagnosed with sarcoma at 25
MSK is a part of my family. They saved my life.
Eliza Wierzbinska, diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at age 30
The Stuart Center is led by Dr. William Tap, Chief of MSK's Sarcoma Medical Oncology Service, and Dr. Julia Glade Bender, Vice Chair for Clinical Research in the Department of Pediatrics.
Email Ayaprogram@mskcc.org or call 646-608-8336 for questions and inquiries.
We want adolescents and young adults to benefit from more clinical trials testing new treatments. MSK is working to break down the age barriers for participating in studies and include a full age range when applicable. The Stuart Center will create links to make it easy to find clinical trials, and synthesize information to create standard treatment protocols.
Michael, diagnosed with sarcoma at age 18
Karolina, diagnosed with sarcoma at age 26
Our app, The Lounge, helps you connect with your peers who have or had cancer to share experiences, get reliable answers to questions, and find the right resources for you. We also use technology to make it easier for you to keep up with appointments and stay connected with your care team.
A Gift for Life: The Lisa and Scott Stuart Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers at MSK
Meet the Stuart family and learn why they want to revolutionize cancer treatment for people ages 15 to 39 and meet their very specific and often unmet needs.
Caught Between Two Worlds: How MSK is Connecting to Young People with Cancer
MSK is helping young patients navigate their journey and get the best treatment through specialized counseling, digital connections, and more. "The gratitude I feel is so deep. I'm not just alive; I'm living," says Desiree Allen.
No Longer Left Behind in Cancer Clinical Trials
Nearly every advance in cancer care today is possible because of clinical trials. MSK is breaking down the age barrier that has made it hard for young patients such as Irving Romero Torres to participate in and benefit from clinical research.
Age Is Just a Number: For Tailoring Cancer Treatment, Biology Matters More than Your Birthday
MSK doctors, such as Julia Glade Bender, are achieving better outcomes for patients by personalizing treatment on the basis of the biology of the cancer rather than the patient's age.
How Young People Facing Cancer Can Cope with the Cost of Treatment
When Fumiko Chino's husband, Andrew, got cancer in his 20s, it devastated their finances. That's why she became a doctor and is committed to easing the burden for others.
But How Will I Have a Family?
MSK's fertility experts and nurse specialists counsel more than 800 patients every year. Their guidance gives patients hope that they can have a family — and helps them focus on the future.
Life Beyond Cancer
Meet a few of our brave and determined young patients who are thriving after receiving treatment at MSK.
Coping with Cancer at the Holidays: 7 Tips from Someone Who Has Been There
Find ways to cope with cancer during the holiday season.
MSK's Adolescent and Young Adult Program Supports Patients Throughout Their Treatment Journey
After graduate student Irene Dimatulac was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her knee, treatment at MSK — and support from MSK's Adolescent and Young Adult Program — allowed her to get back to her life.
New Research Shows the HPV Cancer Vaccine Saves Lives
Learn why MSK recommends that children be vaccinated against HPV.
Coping with Rectal Cancer: A Young Mother's Story of Determination and Compassion
Learn how MSK is helping a young mother cope with rectal cancer through the Center for Young Onset Colorectal Cancer, the first program in the country devoted to younger adults with this disease.
Life, Interrupted: When Young Adults Get Cancer
A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event for anyone, especially for adolescents and young adults who are just getting their bearings in life. In this episode of our podcast Cancer Straight Talk, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK social worker Hadley Maya to discuss the effects of a cancer diagnosis on a young person's identity, career, relationships and more.
Support for AYA at MSK
Philanthropy is essential to advancing the mission of the Lisa and Scott Stuart Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The Stuarts' transformative gift will allow MSK doctors and scientists to advance research and care for this unique population for decades to come. Other visionary donors have helped lay the groundwork for this progress. The following donors have made significant gifts that have been instrumental in the center's launch and early success:
The Kristen Ann Carr Fund
Cycle for Survival
The Friezo Family Foundation
JHSF/Instituto José Auriemo
Kevin Zoltan Merszei Foundation
Tom and Janet Montag
Jamie Nicholls and Fran Biondi
Nonna's Garden Foundation
Olayan Group
The Laura Rosenberg Foundation Inc.
The Sohn Conference Foundation
Teen Cancer America, funded and supported by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who
Tow Foundation
Book traversal links for Lisa and Scott Stuart Center for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancers
When Young People Get Cancer