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The aim of these courses is to improve the care of patients aged 15-39.
Cancer is the leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults. To increase awareness and enhance the understanding of care issues and challenges associated with this patient population, aged 15 to 39, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) partnered with several organizations to produce a series of online courses. Partners include the ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation, LIVESTRONG Foundation, the Commission on Cancer/American College of Surgeons, Critical Mass: The Young Adult Cancer Alliance, the Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology, and the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology.
The free courses are available on ASCO University® at http://university.asco.org/focus-under-forty?cmpid=kh_fuf_ascou_dcn_-_all_07-29-13_clchr. The Focus Under Forty courses are targeted to anyone caring for this patient population, including physicians, fellows, physician assistants, nurses, and others. Thirteen courses are offered: cancer risk reduction review, cancer survivor care review, Hodgkin lymphoma treatment and late effects, breast cancer as a second malignancy, melanoma in adolescents and young adults, fertility preservation issues for males and females, clinical trials for adolescents and young adults, survivorship, diagnosis and treatment, primary care role, supportive care, and cancer care. The information in the courses is current, evidenced-based, and concise. The online courses offer an easy way to supplement knowledge on caring for adolescents and young adults with cancer.