Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood

“I wish every young person with cancer had access to Dr. Pozo-Kaderman. This book shares her knowledge and experience to make what can be an overwhelming situation more manageable.” —William F. Pirl, MD, MPH, Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center“Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood is a heartfelt, easy-to-understand, practical gem filled with useful tips on seeking appropriate and developmentally sensitive cancer care. Young adults no longer have to go on their cancer journey alone. With myth-busting straight talk from Dr. Pozo-Kaderman, an experienced psychologist, young patients with cancer will feel validated that there is ‘no right way to feel’ about such a devastating diagnosis just at the moment when their personal identities are getting established. This book is a must-have in the office of every oncologist who treats young adults!” —Maryland Pao, MD, Past President of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC“Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood is a must-read for every young adult who is dealing with the existential challenge of cancer. Dr. Pozo-Kaderman has taken her decades of experience and expertise as a psychologist working with adolescents and young adults with cancer to create a comprehensive, thoughtful, and accessible resource for the growing number of young adults in the United States who are being diagnosed and treated for cancer. This book is extremely timely and an essential resource.” —William Breitbart, MD, Chairman and Jimmie C. Holland Chair in Psychiatric Oncology, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center“As an oncologist, I’ve seen firsthand the unique and significant challenges faced by young adults with cancer. This indispensable guidebook offers comprehensive insights and guidance that are crucial for patients navigating both treatment and survivorship.” —Ann S. LaCasce, MD, MMSc, Director of the Dana-Farber/Mass General Brigham Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School“This book is a remarkable compilation of wisdom acquired through years of Dr. Pozo-Kaderman’s focused commitment—and hours of listening—to the concerns of young adults with cancer. The style is so approachable, it reads like an extended conversation with Dr. Pozo-Kaderman. This book steps through the many stages of cancer treatment, anticipating the issues and questions likely to arise. I anticipate this book will be helpful not just to young adults but also to the cancer care teams dedicated to helping them.” —Lindsay Frazier, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Physician and Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School“Dr. Pozo-Kaderman has distilled decades of professional experience and wisdom into this thoughtful guide for young adult cancer patients. This book provides practical and hopeful guidance and should become an instant classic for newly diagnosed patients, their caregivers, and loved ones.” —Krishna Komanduri, MD, Chief, UCSF Health Division of Hematology-Oncology and Julius R. Krevans Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco“It’s part resource, part lifeline, written with warmth, honesty, and hope.” —Siobhan Shaw, Cancer Bites

Cristina Pozo-Kaderman, PhD, is a senior psychologist, director of Interprofessional Education, and director of the Young Adult Program (YAP) in the Department of Supportive Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Pozo-Kaderman obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Miami. She completed her internship at Cornell Medical College, Payne Whitney Clinic, and her fellowship in psycho-oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. For over thirty years she has worked in the field of psychosocial oncology with young adults, mentoring trainees as well as serving on numerous professional and community organizations.

Saul Wisnia has been senior publications editor-writer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since 1999. A former Sports and News correspondent at The Washington Post and feature reporter at The Boston Herald, his articles have also appeared in The Boston Globe, Sports Illustrated, and many other publications. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books including the Library Journal-starred guide Spinal Cord Injury and the Family and The Jimmy Fund of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Wisnia lives with his wife and dog just outside Boston.