Early Onset Cancer Program

The Early Onset Cancer Program is designed specifically for adults aged 18 to 45, providing multidisciplinary, personalized support services that address the unique needs of younger patients. We understand that receiving a diagnosis during this phase of life can be especially disruptive—impacting everything from career plans to family life—and we’re here to help navigate every step.

We can connect you with experts in oncology, genetics, fertility and sexual health, psychology, nutrition, and integrative medicine to help you access a wide range of services, such as:

• Tailored treatment plans
• Fertility preservation counseling
• Genetic risk assessment and testing
• Emotional and social support
• Guidance on navigating work, family, and finances during treatment

While research is ongoing, a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors may contribute to early onset cancers. Some known risk factors include inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, Lynch Syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. Other risk factors may include diet, tobacco or alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Despite the uncertainty around exact causes, what’s clear is that younger adults face unique challenges—emotionally, socially, and professionally—when dealing with cancer. That’s why our program is built around matching you with supportive, age-appropriate services.

At Yale Medicine and Smilow Cancer Hospital, we believe that comprehensive cancer care goes beyond medical treatment. Our patient and family support programs are designed to support you and your loved ones with the information, resources, and tailored guidance needed throughout your cancer journey.

Our programs are tailored to help you navigate the healthcare system, access emotional and practical support, and meet with others facing similar challenges.

Licensed social workers and psycho-oncology specialists at Smilow Cancer Hospital offer both individual and group support options tailored to your needs. These services can help you manage anxiety, stress, family dynamics, and the emotional impact of cancer.

We offer program newsletters, webinars, workshops, community events, and more specialized content for patients and supporters. Many events and content are open to the public, but some events are reserved for patients enrolled in our CONNECT program. Learn more about upcoming events.

Our Coordinated Outreach to address Needs and Navigation for Early onset Cancer Together (CONNECT) program is a free program designed to offer enhanced support, guidance, and resources for Smilow Cancer Hospital patients who have been diagnosed with early onset cancer. CONNECT offers a variety of supportive services, including:

We provide clear, easy-to-understand information about navigating life with cancer, what to expect during treatment, and how cancer may impact your daily life. You’ll also receive tools and resources to help you make informed decisions and feel empowered.

Through our early onset cancer specialist, we offer an extra layer of personalized support, which may include help with transportation, financial resources, parenting and caregiving support, and managing work and life during treatment. Our specialist provides 1:1 support and can help you access programs through partnerships across Yale Cancer Center, Smilow Cancer Hospital, and community organizations.

Young families impacted by early onset cancer may also experience side effects related to their treatments. Some therapies can impact egg growth or sperm production, while others can cause damage to the reproductive organs, like the ovaries or testes. Yale Medicine offers fertility preservation options for both men and women, such as egg, embryo, and sperm freezing or ovarian and testicular tissue freezing. It is important to discuss these procedures and eligibility with your cancer care team before starting any cancer treatments. Learn more about fertility options available through Yale Medicine’s Fertility Preservation Program.

Our early onset cancer specialist helps young people with cancer by offering oncofertility resources and information, supporting access to financial assistance, and navigating their cancer care journey. Our specialist may also connect patients with social workers for ongoing emotional support or with Yale Medicine’s one-of-a-kind Sexuality, Intimacy, and Menopause Program for tailored medical and psychological support for women during or after cancer treatment.

Yale Medicine also partners with Livestrong Fertility, a national group that supports individuals with cancer-related fertility preservation needs. Through this partnership, we offer specialized support and information to patients and their families. We also help eligible patients access financial assistance programs.

Our CONNECT team collaborates closely with Smilow Cancer Hospital nurse navigators, social workers, and your cancer care team to address your individual needs. They may provide personalized information and resources, suggest educational events or cancer support groups, facilitate referrals to other Yale Medicine and Smilow Cancer Hospital services, help you better communicate with your cancer care team, and more.

Our early onset cancer specialists work with Smilow Cancer Hospital and local organizations to build personalized support plans, strengthen your self-advocacy, and help with essential needs like transportation, childcare, or financial guidance.

Yale Medicine investigators are leading efforts to better understand early onset cancers and improve outcomes for patients and families. Through clinical, biological, and psychosocial research, we are uncovering what makes these cancers unique—and ensuring the voices of younger adults are heard.

Our researchers study the emotional, social, and everyday challenges faced by people with early onset cancer. They also investigate the underlying factors that distinguish early onset cancers from those diagnosed later in life, as well as tracking patient outcomes.

Our team can help connect you with information about clinical trials that may be right for your specific type of cancer.

We empower our clinical teams through the creation of streamlined, evidence-based care pathways tailored for younger adults with early onset cancer. We also host educational seminars and supportive-care workshops on early onset cancer. Open to primary care providers, specialty clinicians, and support staff across Connecticut, these sessions offer practical insights into managing the full spectrum of care, from diagnosis through survivorship.

Learn more about the Early Onset Cancer Program’s Clinical Education and Support Program

Our Early Onset Cancer Program is built in collaboration with the communities we serve. By working alongside community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and engaged individuals across Connecticut, we’re creating sustainable programs, services, and events that truly reflect the needs of young adults with cancer and their families.

Learn more about the Early Onset Cancer Program’s Community Outreach

We’ve assembled a curated collection of support resources from Yale Cancer Center, Smilow Cancer Hospital, and trusted community and national partners, covering general cancer assistance, support tailored by cancer type, early onset cancer guidance, cancer-specific lifestyle tools, and support for family planning after cancer. Learn more about the early onset cancer resources we offer.

If you're a Smilow Cancer Hospital patient with early onset cancer at one of our participating locations, you can contact us through your nurse or nurse navigator, social worker, or another member of your care team. Anyone, regardless of program enrollment, is welcome to contact us. For more information, email EarlyOnsetCancer@yale.edu or call 203-785-4831.