Specialized Working Group on Adolescents and Young Adults with Hematologic Diseases (AYA)

Overview

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with hematologic diseases represent a distinct patient group with specific biology, developmental needs, and psychosocial challenges. This includes patients with hematologic malignancies and chronic non-malignant disorders. Internationally in the oncology field, AYAs are commonly defined as patients diagnosed between ages 15–39, although exact age boundaries vary. AYAs are not defined by age alone, but by a unique combination of medical and psychosocial needs that are often not fully addressed in standard adult treatment pathways. Care is distributed across multiple organ-based specialties, which can limit exposure to AYA-specific issues due to low case volume. Diagnostic delays may occur due to low awareness and non-specific presentation. Key issues for this patient group include transition of care, survivorship, psychosocial support, and attention to sex and gender.

The EHA Specialized Working Group (SWG) on Adolescents and Young Adults with Hematologic Diseases brings together experts across pediatric and adult hematology, nursing, research, and patient advocacy. Our role is to help EHA advance a coherent approach to AYA care across Europe, and to support collaboration with key stakeholders in this field.

Our priorities include:

• Mapping the current landscape of AYA care across Europe and identifying gaps in service provision and access to age-appropriate support
• Working collaboratively on standards of care, including European consensus recommendations and AYA-relevant guidelines, across malignant and non-malignant hematology
• Supporting education and training for healthcare professionals involved in AYA hematology care, and signposting relevant resources
• Stimulating AYA-focused research, including work on transition, survivorship, quality of life, and equitable trial access
• Ensuring the AYA patient perspective is embedded in EHA’s work, through continued engagement with patient advocates and patient organizations

Join us

If you work in our field and share our mission to advance our understanding of diagnostics in hematology, you’d be welcome to join our SWG. However, before you apply, we recommend you read our application guidance.

Ready? Apply now on the EHA Portal.

If you have any questions, please email our SWGs team.