Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood

Empowering young adult cancer patients with expert guidance, practical strategies, and heartfelt real-life stories, Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood draws on decades of experience from Cristina Pozo-Kaderman, PhD, and Saul Wisnia to help reclaim life and identity amidst the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood explores the emotional, physical, and practical challenges faced by young adults aged 18–49 who are navigating a cancer diagnosis during critical life milestones in early adulthood. This guide provides actionable advice for managing emotional struggles, financial concerns, relationship challenges, and physical health changes caused by cancer.

Cristina Pozo-Kaderman is a clinical psychologist and director of the Young Adult Program and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Saul Wisnia is Dana-Farber’s senior publications editor. Drawn from their over fifty-five combined years of experience working with and telling the stories of early-adult patients, this guide will address topics such as:
-Mood and mental health changes
-Loss of independence
-Feelings of isolation
-Managing relationships
-Financial toxicity
-Fertility and sexual health changes
-Redefining “normal”
-Fear of recurrence and “scanxiety”

Meeting patients where they are in the cancer journey, Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood aims to empower patients to advocate for themselves and tackle challenges head-on. Offering actionable self-care tips, expert-backed strategies, and real-life cancer survivor stories, this resource supports young adults and their caregivers in overcoming cancer’s emotional and physical toll to rebuild identity and find hope.