RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center, Adolescent and Young Adult Sarcoma Program

About the Adolescent and Young Adult Sarcoma Program

At Rush, we know that adolescents and young adults experience bone cancer (sarcoma) differently than adults and children. That’s why we have a dedicated adolescent and young adult sarcoma program that is tailored to the distinct needs of people ages 15 to 39. 

This age group doesn’t fall fully under either pediatric or adult cancer care, often you need the expertise of both pediatric and adult cancer specialists. As the only program of its kind in Chicago, our team of pediatric and adult specialists work side by side to coordinate all aspects of your care, creating a personalized care plan that addresses your physical, emotional and social needs.  

Our top priority is curing your cancer without sacrificing your quality of life — ensuring that you have a full adult life after cancer. We do this through a number of innovative treatments and support services, including the following:

• Limb-sparing surgery that allows us to remove the tumor without amputation.
• Expandable prostheses that help correct limb length discrepancies that can occur if you have not stopped growing.
• Fertility preservation to ensure that your cancer treatment does not affect your ability to have children as you get older.
• Cardio-oncology care, which can help protect your heart from future heart conditions that are sometimes associated with certain cancer treatments.
• Clinical trials that are available to you in partnership with the National Cancer Institute and the Children’s Oncology Group.
• Comprehensive supportive care through our cancer supportive care program, which offers psychosocial counseling, social work services, nutritional counseling and much more to help you and your family through the social, emotional and physical challenges of cancer.