Support for teenagers and young adults

This information is about teenage and young adult (TYA) services, including what they are, and who is involved in your care.

This page is written directly for young people with sarcoma. Parents and carers may also find it helpful.

What TYA services are

TYA services support young people aged 16 to 24 who have cancer.

They are designed to meet both your medical needs, but also other things that are going on in your life. This includes emotional support, help with education or work, and support for everyday life.

Where you may have treatment

Ages 16 to 18

If you’re aged 16 to 18, your treatment is usually given at a Principal Treatment Centre (PTC) that specialises in TYA cancer care.

These hospitals have expert teams who understand cancer in young people. They may not be the closest hospital to you, but they are set up to give you the right care and support.

You can read more about PTCs.

Ages 19 to 24

If you are aged 19 to 24, you should be given a choice about where you have your treatment.

This might be:

• a PTC for teenagers and young adults (TYA)
• a designated hospital that is approved to treat young adults with cancer.

Wherever you have treatment, your care will still be planned or overseen by a specialist sarcoma team linked to a PTC.

Age-appropriate care and support

Being treated in a TYA service means you will usually be cared for in an age-appropriate area.

This means:

• you are around people closer to your age
• there are spaces and activities for young people.

All children and young people with cancer, and their families, can be referred to the Teenage Cancer Trust. They have units in most PTCs and can offer practical, emotional, and financial support.

The Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) team

If you are cared for by a TYA service, you may meet a team of different healthcare professionals who work together to support you.

This team may include:

• Oncologist: a cancer doctor who plans and gives treatments such as chemotherapy and other cancer medicines.
• Sarcoma Surgeon: a doctor who carries out operations to remove sarcoma.
• Radiologist: a doctor who looks at scans to help diagnose cancer and check how treatment is working.
• Nurse specialist: often your main point of contact. They help coordinate your care, answer questions, and support you during treatment.
• Pharmacist: make sure your medicines are safe, work properly, and are right for you.
• Dietitian: helps you eat well and get the nutrients you need during treatment.

You may also meet other staff:

• Youth support worker: support you with everyday life, independence, and things that matter to young people, like friends, education, and work.
• Psychologist: helps you cope with worries, stress, or strong feelings.
• Social worker: helps with practical support, money worries, housing, or benefits.
• Teacher: helps you keep up with school, college, or learning where you are in hospital.
• Occupational therapist or physiotherapist: helps you stay active, build strength, manage daily tasks, and recover during and after treatment.