Anew is a research collaborative reshaping adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer care, together. We are working to co-create an AYA cancer care program that meets the diverse needs of AYAs across BC/Yukon and involves the care system, community, and AYAs themselves.
This means we work in partnership with young adults with lived experiences with cancer; those who offer treatment, support and care; and those who make health system decisions, to co-generate knowledge, relationships, and strategies to improve cancer care for all young adults.
We take this approach because cancer is different for young adults compared to children and older adults – the cancer care challenges, needs, and priorities of young adults are unique. A focused approach to young adult cancer care research, policy, and practice is critical.
We also know that young adults have a clear understanding of how their cancer care can be improved and want to play an active role in doing so. We strive to build from this momentum and collaborate with young adults as experts of their own cancer care experiences and agents in change.
This means we draw on the principles of Participatory Action Research, Patient-Oriented Research, and Creative Action Research and use a range of creative methods to support engagement, build capacity, share knowledge, and inspire tangible changes to young adult cancer care.
Lastly, we know that young adult cancer care, research, and practices are not always equitable and representative. Through our work, we are committed to engaging young adults with diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences with cancer care to better understand and amplify their priorities and support change.
We are co-creating a revolutionary AYA cancer care and support ecosystem, together.
Our program is formed through ongoing interactions between essential elements, creating an ideal cancer care and support ecosystem for each AYA. Over time, these elements may evolve and/or change in response to the unique needs of AYAs.
Draft essential elements are shared to the right.
At Anew,
we are committed to research that:
Values young adults as experts of their own cancer experiences and as agents of change
Engages young adults and cancer care allies in creative, participatory, and meaningful ways
Amplifies diverse perspectives and critically reflects on how to be more equitable
Shares knowledge, opportunities, and insights to inspire tangible changes in young adult cancer care for all young adults
These threads are woven throughout our work.