Programs

b-aware || b-there

Young adults diagnosed with cancer are required to press pause during such a pivotal time in their lives and often don’t receive consistent support from busy friends. Unfortunately, poor support can contribute to a negative response to treatment and overall worse health outcomes. Through two key programs, b-aware and b-there, we are providing the information and tools that empower the social support network to be present from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

  • What Is b-aware?

    What Is b-aware?

    b-aware proactively provides young adults the education and experiences before a friend is diagnosed so they feel empowered to be strong supporters when the need arises.



  • What is b-there?

    What is b-there?

    b-there provides the resources and tools post-diagnosis to ensure young adults feel connected and supported throughout treatment and beyond, and that the supporters are supported every step of the way.



  • Leading Cause of Death

    Leading Cause of Death

    Cancer remains the #1 cause of disease-related death among young adults (AYAs) between the ages of 15-39.
  • Survival Rates Are Not Improving

    Survival Rates Are Not Improving

    Unlike pediatric and older adult patients, AYAs with cancer have seen little improvement in survival rates since 1975.
  • Social and Emotional Issues

    Social and Emotional Issues

    Isolation is the #1 psychosocial issue impacting AYAs with cancer. Social support and connection is vital for this age group.
  • Nonsupport Experience

    Nonsupport Experience

    2 out of every 3 young adult cancer patients experienced nonsupport and recalled someone in their life they expected would provide support but never did. [1]

NEW STUDY on Barriers to Social Support

[1] Exploring the Barriers to Social Support Interactions: A Qualitative Study of Young Adult Cancer Patients and Young Adult Supporters, Colter D. Ray, Nicholas T. Iannarino, Ningyang Ocean Wang, Brianna M. Matias, Abby W. Westerman, & Julie N. Germann.

In this newly released study, b-present teams with researchers to explore the reasons young adults (ages 18–39) struggle or avoid providing support to young adult cancer patients, and the young adult cancer patients’ perceptions of why they have not received support.

View the Study

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