AYA Care Team

The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program at Moffitt Cancer Center accepts physician referrals for patients aged 15 to 39 who are living with cancer, and younger teens in select cases. Our physicians have treated thousands of patients in this age group and are specifically trained to do so. Led by Damon Reed, MD, Moffitt’s AYA oncology specialists provide medical and psychosocial clinical care to address the unique concerns and emotional needs of adolescent and young adult cancer patients, which often differ markedly from those of their younger and older counterparts.

The benefits of Moffitt’s AYA program

Moffitt’s AYA Program was established to create Florida’s first – and only – dedicated clinical environment for adolescent and young adult cancer patients, including access to cooperative studies and patient-speciﬁc therapies, as well as support groups with social workers and psychologists. More precisely, Moffitt’s AYA oncology specialists help our young patients:

Access the latest treatment options, including cutting-edge clinical trials
Manage the emotional toll of cancer
Learn about sexual health, intimacy needs, fertility preservation and family planning
Address family, work, school and financial issues related to cancer and its treatment
Connect with others who are facing similar situations

Pediatric affiliation

The pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital is a pediatric affiliate for Moffitt Cancer Center. Moffitt AYA physicians see younger pediatric patients on the main Johns Hopkins All Children's campus in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Moffitt AYA program continues to collaborate with Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in a variety of ways, including several ongoing research collaborations and multiple physicians with clinical privileges at both facilities.

Connecting young cancer patients

Additionally, Moffitt is the only cancer center in the state of Florida that has a specialized AYA lounge. Open 24/7, our state-of-the-art Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Lounge provides adolescent and young adult patients – as well as their families and friends – with a comfortable place to get together and talk, watch movies, play games, review educational resources or simply relax. The architecture, interior design and overall vibe of the lounge were precisely developed based on input from adolescent and young adult cancer patients in collaboration with Teen Cancer America.

If you are a health care provider who would like to refer a patient to Moffitt’s AYA oncology specialists, complete our online form or contact a physician liaison for assistance or support. Moffitt continues to transform the lives of teens and young adults with cancer.