Among cancer patients, those in their late teens to thirties are called the "AYA generation," which is an acronym for "adolescents and young adults," and it is difficult to balance treatment with schoolwork and work. We have challenges unique to the younger generation.


Patient groups in each region are holding "AYA week" for the first time, where related events are intensively held, and hope to solve these problems.

Approximately 20,000 patients are diagnosed with cancer each year in their late teens to thirties, but there is insufficient information on treatment and support, and public support for balancing treatment with school and work. Issues such as few have been pointed out.



Organizations made up of cancer patients and doctors from all over the world are holding online and other events intensively until the 21st of this month under the name of "AYA week" in order to help solve problems.



At an event held on the 7th of this month, young people who had cancer had a stroke due to a side effect called "late complications" 10 years after treatment, or when they were just starting work. He talked about his financial concerns about receiving treatment and appealed for long-term support.



During the period, about 80 events were held, such as a roundtable discussion where patients talk about their experiences and a meeting to discuss their concerns about treatment, work, sexuality, etc. Keizo Horibe of the National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, which is the representative of the host organization. A senior researcher said, "I would like people who are interested in it, not just patients and medical personnel, to participate and listen to their voices."



* The URL is "https://ayaweek.jp/"

Reproductive medicine for cancer patients The country will subsidize from next year

Younger cancer patients, such as the AYA generation, may have a possibility of having children in the future due to side effects of anticancer drugs and radiation therapy = "fertility" may be impaired, which is a major issue in receiving treatment. However, from next year, the government will start a system to subsidize the cost of cryopreserving eggs and sperm for cancer patients.



A woman who got cancer at a young age said, "For patients who want to have children, reproductive medicine for financial reasons." I think it's very good not to give up. "



The new system applies to cancer patients and patients with some autoimmune diseases who use the same treatments as cancer, and those under the age of 43 when cryopreserving eggs and sperm. You can receive assistance up to 2 times.



The upper limit of one time is 350,000 yen for freezing fertilized eggs, 200,000 yen for freezing eggs, 25,000 yen for freezing sperms, etc. I want to be able to receive it.



About this, Natsuko Tawada, the caretaker of the "Young Cancer Patients Association Rosemary", was treated for blood cancer and malignant lymphoma at the age of 25 and lost fertility due to the side effects of anticancer drugs. "I thought that even if I had a new encounter, I would leave if I told the other person that I couldn't have a child, and I became very reluctant to love and get married. It is economical for patients who want to have children. I think it's very good not to give up reproductive medicine for some reason. At the same time, patients and their families ask questions such as whether delaying cancer treatment to receive reproductive medicine will have a negative effect. It is important to have a system where you can consult and consult. "