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.
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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.
- August 12, 2024Source: WICC Radio
Melissa In The Morning: Rise In Cancer Amongst The Youth
- July 28, 2024Source: Brain & Body Things Podcast
Understanding Early Onset Cancer with Drs Veda Giri and Nancy Borstelmann
- May 24, 2024Source: The Skimm
Daily Skimm: Why are cancer rates rising so sharply in young adults?
- April 23, 2024Source: Oprah Daily
The Cancer Screenings Every Young Woman Should Get
Events
Oct 202424Thursday
Everyone
Oct 202427Sunday
Everyone Veda Giri, MDWNPR 90.5
Nov 202412Tuesday
Everyone
Nov 202414Thursday
Everyone
Nov 202428Thursday
Everyone
- May 21, 2024Source: Parents
4 Things Gen Z Gets Wrong About Tanning and Sun Safety
- May 15, 2024Source: Medscape
Colorectal Cancer Is Spiking Among Some Young Americans
- May 12, 2024Source: Yale Cancer Answers
Navigating Cancer as a Young Adult
- April 19, 2024Source: Yale New Haven Health News & Knowledge
What Are Ultra Processed Foods? How Diet Impacts Health
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