The term ‘anew’ reflects our shared commitment to engaging in research in participatory, patient-centred, and creative ways to reshape young adult cancer care.
For us, it means building from the lived experiences of young adults with cancer and working together with young adults and cancer care allies to create tangible changes in young adult cancer care.
Where, together, we can create anew – an approach to young adult cancer care for all young adults navigating cancer today and in the future.
Anew began as an idea – a desire to change cancer care for young adults experiencing cancer.
It is now a collaborative of change – a community of young adults and care allies working together to engage in participatory, patient-centred research to create tangible, responsive change to cancer care for all young adults.
‘anew’ (/əˈn(y)o͞o/) : in a new or different and typically more positive way; in a new form or manner: to write the story anew.
Perspectives from a Young Adult
Perspectives from a Young Adult
The beginning of Anew.
I was 34. I had recently finished my doctorate, and just finished a five-day backpacking trip along the West Coast Trail. I was ready to find that dream job, meet my life partner, and start a family. Yet, life had other plans.
The next day, I had a biopsy. The following day, I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. I became a young adult with cancer. I became a patient in a world where the terms, young adult and cancer, don’t quite fit. A world, we don’t quite understand.
Navigating the cancer care system, it became increasingly clear that it isn’t designed for young adults -- The medical and psychosocial needs of young adults with cancer are unique. I often felt alone -- Misunderstood. Surrounded by people who could easily be my grandparents, I felt out of place. When friends die, I feel anger and guilt. With each scan and appointment, I wonder – Is cancer progressing?
Fortunately, I became part of a community of young adults with lived experiences with cancer who understand. And through conversations with young adults and cancer care allies, it is clear, more can be done in young adult cancer care.
As a researcher, I decided to shift my research trajectory. I wanted to work in partnership with other young adults and cancer care allies to reshape cancer care for young adults. And so, Anew was born! Where, together, we are working in partnership with young adults and cancer care allies to understand and reshape cancer care for all young adults in BC, Canada, and beyond!
