Roswell program supports overlooked cancer age group

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Cancer is most prevalent among older adults, and it can be most heartbreaking when it affects children. But each year, about 90,000 young adults in their 20s and 30s are diagnosed with cancer in the United States.

April is Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an age group that can be overlooked, which is why there’s a support group at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center that tries to make sure these cancer patients don’t fall through the cracks.

Savannah Forell remembers the moment well. It was the day after a Bills playoff game.

“I came across a lump and like deep in my heart, somehow I just knew,” she said.

At age 32, she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. She would need 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and is starting oral chemo as a follow-up.

Her family is in Syracuse, and she was fairly new to Buffalo when she was diagnosed. Her medical team at Roswell Park suggested the Young Adult Cancer Program.

“At the time, I still had my hair,” said Forell. “I was like, 'No I’m not sick. Like, I’m not. I’m not ready for this club.'”

Two months later…

“I finally reached out and was like 'Okay, I’m ready,'” she said. “I’m bald. I’m sick. I’m a little miserable. But I need something to bring my spirits up.”

Which is what the program is all about. Savannah takes part in writing workshops and photography classes. But most important is the common experience specific to her age group.

“There’s a lot of weird image issues that happen when you’re gaining weight from steroids, losing your hair, losing your eyebrows,” she said.

“We want to be able to catch them because sometimes, they do slip through the cracks or sometimes, providers aren’t educated on those extra challenges that they might be facing,” said Ashley King, coordinator of the Young Adult Cancer Program.

“They’re at a different stage or chapter in their life and wondering about fertility,” said King. “Thinking about additional diagnoses and that stress.”

“I feel like we are absolutely forgotten,” said Forell, who wishes every hospital had a program like this.

“We always say it’s the worst club with the best people,” said Forell. “So, I finally was ready to join the club. I joined the club and it’s made a huge difference in my entire cancer experience.”

The Young Adult Cancer Program is holding a free event Friday, April 26 – Sunday, April 28 called “Cancerchella.” There will be workshops, speakers, and fun activities for people in their 20s and 30s who are navigating cancer or its aftermath. This is open to any person in that age group; you don’t have to be a patient at Roswell Park. You can find more information here.