Lauren Creel, Author at Cactus Cancer Society

Why The Cancer Experience Can Be Especially Difficult for AYAs

Join the YA Cancer Gabfest Scavenger Hunt!

It was a fan favorite last year, so YA Cancer Gabfest is hosting another scavenger hunt this year! No matter where you call home, you can join this completely online scavenger hunt through the free app, Goosechase, brought to you by Cactus Cancer Society and Elephants and Tea!

Who: the young adult cancer community

When: Wednesday, November 30th @ 9:00am PT / 11:00am CT / 12:00pm ET through Wednesday, December 7th @ 9:00am PT / 11:00am CT / 12:00pm ET via Goosechase app.* (*US time zones…please confirm what time this means for where you live)

How does it work?

First, download the free app, available for Apple and Android.
Second, sign up for a free account!
Third, find our game! You can search for “YA Cancer Gabfest 2022 Scavenger Hunt” or use the unique game code “8XB7MD.” Game Password: Gabster2022
Fourth, complete missions, as many as you’d like or can, within the weeklong time period. Missions are scored individually with bonus points awarded for extra creativity!

We’ve got prizes for the top three scoring winners! (Please note that by participating in the GooseChase game, you agree to let Cactus Cancer Society/Elephants and Tea use anything you upload in the scavenger hunt on social media, our websites, as well as in the scavenger hunt winner announcements at YA Cancer Gabfest.) We’ll be announcing the champions at YA Cancer Gabfest’s After Hours session on Friday, Dec 9, so make sure you’re registered for YA Cancer Gabfest!

We can’t wait to see all your creativity shine through. Happy hunting!

YA Cancer Gabfest 2022: Registration Is Open!

Registration for YA Cancer Gabfest 2022 is now open! Throughout the week of December 5th, we invite you to share, explore, and learn as we socialize and engage with each other.

cancer in your 20s cancer in your 20s and 30s cancer in your 30s caregiver family and friends healthcare providers nonprofit professionals patient patient advocates patients survivor young adult cancer

Research Roundup!

Here at Cactus Cancer Society, we’re always interested in amplifying the voices and experiences of young adults facing cancer, and making sure this population is represented in research. Check out these research opportunities focused on YAs with cancer!

cancer in your 20s cancer in your 20s and 30s cancer in your 30s family and friends patient survivor young adult cancer

Looking for Help With Clinical Trials?

Finding a clinical trial can be overwhelming. Patients are often left to search for trials on their own, leaving them with more questions than answers. Fortunately, our friends at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provide a free service to take this burden off patients and their families!

access to clinical trials cancer in your 20s cancer in your 20s and 30s cancer in your 30s clinical trial clinical trials patient survivor young adult cancer

Dating and Cancer History: To Disclose or Not to Disclose?

Cancer is my heaviest baggage. It’s my crazy ex-girlfriend that tried to kill me, and I would hate it if she ever came back, but she’s crazy, so she might. And I feel that I have to tell you at some point, so when’s the right time?

cancer in your 20s cancer in your 20s and 30s cancer in your 30s dating dating after cancer dating during cancer disclosure patient survivor young adult cancer

Happy July!

got some pretty amazing things in the works and we’re very excited about getting back to you this August with more wonderful programs.

cactus cancer society program announcement program break

Progress with Prozac

After Facing Testicular Cancer, I Realized I Was Feeling Depressed – So I Asked For Antidepressants

cancer in your 20s cancer in your 20s and 30s cancer in your 30s depression mental health patient survivor young adult cancer

You Are Not Alone. I Repeat: You Are Not Alone.

I wish that I had the awareness that this was a common feeling for AYAs when I was first diagnosed and undergoing treatment, because, although I had so much support from my family and friends, I still felt isolated and misunderstood.

cancer in your 20s cancer in your 20s and 30s cancer in your 30s caregiver community family and friends patient survivor young adult cancer

Peace Amidst Chaos

There are many things in life that we prepare for. We study or practice and hope that when the time comes, we are ready for whatever faces us. So, when something extreme happens to us, like being diagnosed with cancer, what preparation from our lives do we fall back on?

cancer in your 20s cancer in your 20s and 30s caregiver faith and spirituality family and friends patient survivor

Why The Cancer Experience Can Be Especially Difficult for AYAs

There is clearly a need for research and healthcare institutions to pay more attention to AYAs to help mitigate negative outcomes. So, the most urgent question becomes… What can be done to help?

cancer in your 20s cancer in your 20s and 30s cancer in your 30s patient young adult cancer