OHSU AYA Oncology

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and OHSU’s School of Dentistry recommend the HPV vaccine for boys and girls to prevent future cancers.

The HPV vaccine protects against six types of cancer and requires only two doses for children ages 9-12.

Talk to your dentist today about their ability to vaccinate against HPV infection and future cancers.

HPV Vaccination Education | OHSU Learn about the Knight Cancer Institute's HPV educational awareness program.

Did you know HPV can cause cancers of the oropharynx (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils)?

This is called oropharyngeal cancer, and HPV is thought to cause 70% of these cancers.

Talk to your dentist about oral cancers and ask for an HPV vaccination for your children, starting at age 9: https://bit.ly/3LGUNbJ

As of 2019, Oregon legislation allows licensed dentists to administer vaccines, including the vaccine that prevents cancers.

Boys and girls, starting at age 9, can be vaccinated against a very common infection that causes cancers — the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Ask your dentist if they have received the training to vaccinate against oral cancers: https://bit.ly/3uYW8Ul

Did you know that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause oral cancers? HPV vaccination, for boys and girls, starting at age 9 through 26 can prevent these cancers from developing.

Learn more about oral cancers and talk to your primary care providers about vaccinating your children against future cancers.

HPV Vaccination Education | OHSU Learn about the Knight Cancer Institute's HPV educational awareness program.

It's National Poison Prevention Week!

Poison centers have been here for more than 60 years, and they support people in every decade of life. The Poison Center of Oregon Alaska and Guam is open 24/7 for your questions and emergencies.

Learn more about how they help our community: https://bit.ly/3uor4Nv

In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month, the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and 70 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers across the U.S. call for urgent action to get HPV vaccinations back on track.

Nearly 80 million Americans — 1 out of every 4 people — are infected with HPV, a virus that causes six types of cancers.

Of those millions, nearly 36,000 will be diagnosed with HPV-related cancer this year.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3jultkM

Kat was diagnosed with Optic Glioma in 2002.

Now 20, she continues to receive care at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

“Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t want to hear that I need to stay strong.

My brain tumor is something that I’ve come to terms with, and I understand that I’ll be living with it for the rest of my life.

I want people to listen, not just tell me what they think I want to hear.”

This month, Kat and OHSU's Pediatric Brain Tumor Program are raising awareness about pediatric brain tumors through the campaign.

Learn more and order your shirt: http://bit.ly/gograyinmay-2021

At OHSU AYA Oncology and the National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers across the U.S., scientists and doctors urge parents to get their kids vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus.

Nearly 80 million Americans — 1 out of every 4 people — are infected with HPV, a virus that causes six types of cancers.

Of those millions, nearly 36,000 will be diagnosed with HPV-related cancer this year.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/2RvY5rY

Christian was diagnosed with optic glioma in 2017 after his mother, Nana, noticed problems with his vision and advocated for an MRI scan.

“Having a child with a brain tumor is very scary. Our social worker, Emily, has helped us a lot by identifying resources and connecting us with organizations where we could meet other families in similar situations and build Christian’s confidence.

I always tell him we can’t change what’s happening, but we do have control over our strength and our thoughts.” — Nana

Christian and OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital nurse Lily are pictured here sporting their shirts for brain tumor awareness.

All proceeds from this year’s campaign will be used to purchase chemo/port access shirts for parents currently receiving therapy.

Get yours today: http://bit.ly/gograyinmay-2021

We’re looking for families of children who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 14 and finished treatment one to five years ago.

We especially want to hear from those representing minority backgrounds who can offer their insight into this unique experience.

Using interviews, we create resources and educational materials to help future patients and their caregivers.

Eligible participants will be compensated for their time.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3hUSqV7

We’re looking for families of children who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 14 and finished treatment one to five years ago.

We especially want to hear from those representing minority backgrounds who can offer their insight into this unique experience.

Using interviews, we create resources and educational materials to help future patients and their caregivers.

Eligible participants will be compensated for their time.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/39cJczz

“I've witnessed the power of adventure to transform the lives of AYA patients.

By connecting them with a community of their peers, they're creating a support system that is difficult to find in a hospital or treatment center.”

Dr. Brandon Hayes-Lattin describes the goal of First Descents, a program providing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.

Learn more (via PR Newswire): https://prn.to/343TzDM

A new report released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine details the challenges childhood cancer survivors face.

The report, Childhood Cancer and Functional Impacts Across the Care Continuum, was co-authored by our own Dr. Brandon Hayes-Lattin.

“It was an honor to contribute my personal and professional experience on this committee to better understand how we can improve the long-term effects of treatment and help survivors post-treatment.

Recognizing that systems for both clinical care and for disability determinations change at the intersection of adolescence and young adulthood, the report’s findings on this transition for AYA cancer survivors is particularly meaningful.” - Dr. Hayes-Lattin

Although Childhood Cancer Survival Rates Have Improved, Survivors Face Disability-Related Challenges Throughout Adulthood Survivors of childhood cancer have an increased risk of experiencing disabling conditions, both from the cancer itself and from the effects of treatment, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

“For me, being a cancer survivor means being strong and not letting others treat you differently.” 🌻

After an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosis, Kenya received treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant from her older sister) at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

Now 19, she’s a student at Western Oregon University. ❤️

Dr. Brandon Hayes-Lattin is the medical director of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute's Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program.

As a young adult cancer survivor himself, and a physician caring for many young adults with hematologic malignancies, he has taken a leadership role in the development of the discipline of AYA Oncology.

When asked what is the most rewarding part of the job, this was his response:

“The most rewarding part of my job is when I’ve heard from a patient about what has been the hardest part of their journey and been part of making that better.”

At Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), each patient has the option to choose whether they want to ring the bell.

“All of our patients are at a different point in their treatment course at the completion of radiation, so this ritual may have a different meaning for each individual.” — Michelle Bednar, assistant nurse manager in the Department of Radiation Medicine

Time to Stop Ringing the Bell? A Look at Patients’ Varied Reactions to the End-of-Treatment Tradition - Oncology Nurse Advisor The bell-ringing ceremony at the end of cancer treatment can have very unintended effects on patients, even those who can look forward to a cancer-free life.

"I don't want to be so afraid of dying that I forget to live, and hold what makes life worth living close to my heart."

Brenna Lindsley was 38 when she learned she had breast cancer last spring. Since completing her treatment at OHSU, Brenna has taken up CrossFit and archery and has made a major career change. After 17 years of working at Nordstrom, she started a new job as the kind voice on the other end of the line: a patient access service specialist at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.

Her story: https://bit.ly/2lYMCRC

"I don't want to be so afraid of dying that I forget to live, and hold what makes life worth living close to my heart."

Brenna Lindsley was 38 when she learned she had breast cancer last spring. Since completing her treatment at OHSU, Brenna has taken up CrossFit and archery and has made a major career change. After 17 years of working at Nordstrom, she started a new job as the kind voice on the other end of the line: a patient access service specialist at the Knight Cancer Institute.

Her story: https://bit.ly/2lYMCRC

“This demographic has so much going on in their life — adolescents are just getting their first taste of independence, young adults might be starting a career or a family. For them, a diagnosis of cancer is especially life altering. And because sarcoma isn’t that common, it can be very isolating as well.” - Dr. Lara Davis

All too often Dr. Lara Davis has to tell patients in her clinic that there are currently no medicines that can cure their sarcoma. “That’s not okay. We need to be making more progress, faster progress.”

This sense of urgency is at the heart of Davis’ crusade to find new combinations of drugs that will be effective in treating sarcoma, a rare kind of cancer that affects the connective tissue in the body.

Meet Dr. Davis: http://bit.ly/2H5zNN1

Help OHSU Knight Cancer Institute learn about cancer in Oregon by taking a 15-minute survey that asks about your health behaviors, knowledge of cancer screening, access to healthcare, and other demographic information.

Your response will help guide our community outreach efforts to address the cancer-related needs of Oregonians. Participants can enter a drawing to win one of five $100 gift cards.

Access the survey here and enter the code "chard" when prompted: http://bit.ly/2XhFAsS

Just two days before her 39th birthday – the same week she lost her grandmother – Brenna Lindsley learned she had breast cancer. This year, she celebrated being cancer free and marked the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis with a solo trip to Scotland.

“I wanted to take what was the worst week ever and turn it into the best week of my life.”

Brenna plans to visit a place on her bucket list – “somewhere tremendous” – each year on the anniversary of her diagnosis. Next stop? Iceland.

Brenna, thank you for sharing these wonderful photos with us! Happy travels!

We’re so grateful to our friends at Silver Moon Brewing for selecting the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute as one of the beneficiaries of their 2019 F*Cancer program.

Silver Moon Brewing is donating funds raised from F*Cancer merchandise sales and beer sales in the state of Oregon to the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the Knight Cancer Institute.

Learn more: http://bit.ly/2Xv2yNj

We’re so grateful to our friends at Silver Moon Brewing for selecting the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute as one of the beneficiaries of their 2019 F*Cancer program.

Silver Moon Brewing is donating funds raised from F*Cancer merchandise sales and beer sales in the state of Oregon to the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the Knight Cancer Institute.

Learn more: http://bit.ly/2Xv2yNj

Medical science has greatly improved the odds of surviving cancer, so much so that health systems are grappling with a new challenge: helping survivors adjust to living a long life after completing therapy.

Join us at on Tuesday, June 18 to hear how survivors and care providers are building systems of support, developing ways to stay well in body, mind and spirit – and forging opportunity amidst the crisis of cancer: http://bit.ly/31OsguK

Medical science has greatly improved the odds of surviving cancer, so much so that health systems are grappling with a new challenge: helping survivors adjust to living a long life after completing therapy.

Join us at Knight School on Tuesday, June 18 to hear how survivors and care providers are building systems of support, developing ways to stay well in body, mind and spirit – and forging opportunity amidst the crisis of cancer: http://bit.ly/31OsguK

Get to know Katie Slavin, one of our May Knight School speakers. Katie will be joining us at 7pm this evening (May 21) for a discussion about skin cancer, how to monitor your skin and look for signs of change, and how together we can help reduce melanoma-related deaths in Oregon.

Katie became involved in patient advocacy after being diagnosed with melanoma at age 23. She has testified at the Oregon State legislature in support of stronger regulations for tanning beds and received an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to involve melanoma patients and their loved ones in the design of melanoma research.

Katie is part our administrative team and leads our Scientific Research Advocates program. http://bit.ly/2WkA739

"Being around other kids and families going through something like this changed my life."

When she was 9 years old, Jordan Herrle was diagnosed with a rare malignant tumor called acinic cell carcinoma. Fourteen years ago she completed her final radiation treatment at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital, where she now works as a medical assistant in Pediatric Endocrinology.

Jordan will share her story at Knight School on Tuesday, April 16. We hope you'll join us! http://bit.ly/2Ij9SU4

“One of the things that I love about writing is that it gives you this amazing opportunity to reframe the events your life or escape to another world altogether… Either way, it’s always about making meaning.” - Brianna Barrett

It's National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week. Did you know that we offer a weekly writing workshop for young adult cancer survivors facilitated by award-winning storyteller Brianna Barrett?

Learn more: http://bit.ly/2yUl4CO

“One of the things that I love about writing is that it gives you this amazing opportunity to reframe the events your life or escape to another world altogether… Either way, it’s always about making meaning.” - Brianna Barrett

It's National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week. Did you know that we offer a weekly writing workshop for young adult cancer survivors facilitated by award-winning storyteller Brianna Barrett?

Learn more about our writing groups and the many other cancer support services we offer: http://bit.ly/2yUl4CO

“Tyler would tell me how much he wanted to make 14K a more social, fun place. He always tried to meet other patients in the hallway to encourage them – and that he certainly did. He repeatedly mentioned how 14K should have fun activities to bring people together – for people who were on the same journey to be able to gather, share stories, laugh, and maybe – just for a few minutes – forget about cancer.” – Jen Smith, clinical social worker

OHSU lit up Tuesday afternoon in memory of a former patient who made quite the impact during his battle with leukemia: http://bit.ly/2EmQVg1

Pinball machine dedicated to cancer patient at OHSU OHSU lit up Tuesday afternoon in memory of a former patient who made quite the impact during his battle with leukemia. Tyler Van Pelt endured years of treatments at OHSU, but he didn’t let it change his sense of humor or outlook on life. Sadly, he lost his fight last spring. But while in the h...