Jay Abramovitch (left) is very happy to have an empathetic ear in Advanced Practice Nurse Sarah Cleyn (right), who understands the unique care needs of young people with cancer.
While a cancer diagnosis is life changing for patients of any age, young people face unique challenges, as a diagnosis can interfere with their education, careers, relationships and family-building goals.
To help address the specific needs of this growing patient population, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre launched the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program in June 2025.
“We walk alongside patients and their care team to fill in the gaps in their care, particularly around their mental, sexual and fertility health,” explains Sarah Cleyn, Advanced Practice Nurse with the AYA Cancer Program. “We also empower patients to be equal partners in their care and help them navigate the health-care system. We support patients no matter where they are in their cancer journey, from pre-diagnosis to treatment to survivorship.”
For survivor Jay Abramovitch, Sarah and the AYA team have been instrumental in helping him navigate life after treatment. “It’s amazingly refreshing to talk to people who totally understand the AYA experience,” says Jay. “My oncology team at the hospital is incredible, but to have that additional angle where someone’s looking at you through an AYA lens — it’s super helpful.”
How does the program work?
Every patient with cancer at The Ottawa Hospital between the ages of 15 and 39 is automatically welcomed to the AYA Cancer Program, either through their MyChart or email. This message includes a questionnaire that helps the AYA team identify each patient’s individual needs.
The program is built around three core pillars — mental health, sexual health and fertility health — vital needs identified through a comprehensive survey of more than 400 AYA patients — including Jay. But the program also provides help around other common needs, including nutrition, physical rehabilitation, palliative care and even school, work and finances.
As the AYA program’s advanced practice nurse, Sarah Cleyn is usually a patient’s first point of contact with the team. The multidisciplinary team also includes a social worker, registered nurse, clerk and medical director.
After filling out the questionnaire, patients can book a consultation with the team. “It’s an A-to-Z, getting-to-know-you conversation,” explains Sarah. “I want to be a keeper of your big story. I want to understand how you’re doing, what your needs are and how we can support you.”
For example, if a patient requires mental health support, Sarah may introduce them to the team’s social worker. For patients who have questions about fertility, Sarah may refer them to a fertility specialist. And for sexual health needs, she may recommend a sexual health program.
The AYA team also sends every patient a compendium of resources that lists programs, groups and educational supports available across the Champlain region. “The idea is to give patients an à la carte self-serve option,” explains Sarah. “Whenever they feel they could use some support, they have this compendium to lean on and find something that may be helpful for them.”
Jay continues to advise our AYA Cancer Program on how we can provide the best care experience for adolescents and young adults. He’s also heavily involved in peer support to help men affected by cancer through the Man Up to Cancer group.
Need help filling in the gaps?
If you’re a young patient at our Cancer Centre who has not been contacted by our AYA team, or if you are in the pre-diagnosis or survivorship stages, the team encourages you to reach out to learn how they can help you on your journey. The team would also love to hear from health-care professionals who are interested in learning best practices for caring for AYA patients.
Please reach out to Sarah and the AYA team at AYAprogram@toh.ca.
