Early-Onset Cancer Services
Cancers diagnosed in adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s – referred to as early-onset cancers – are becoming increasingly common. At University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, we specialize in guiding younger adults through their cancer journey. Our integrated health system connects patients with expert clinical care and a wide range of support services tailored to their unique needs – before, during and after treatment.
Your health is important. Get expert care.
Call 216-844-3951 to schedule an appointment with Early-Onset Cancer Services today.
Specialized Care for Younger Adults
Cancers of the digestive system, reproductive organs, breasts, skin, thyroid gland and blood are appearing more frequently in younger people. This trend may be associated with multiple factors, including lifestyle changes, metabolic problems, environmental exposures and chronic inflammation.
Younger patients often face unique challenges in cancer care – from fertility concerns to emotional and social stressors. Our team of early-onset cancer care experts provides personalized support to help patients understand their diagnosis, navigate treatment and access services tailored to their needs.
Our early-onset cancer services include:
Clinical Trials
UH Seidman Cancer Center offers more than 400 clinical trials, including studies focused on early-onset cancers. Participation in clinical research helps advance treatment and may provide access to promising new therapies.
Genetic Testing
The genetic counselors at the University Hospitals Center for Human Genetics offer testing to identify inherited gene mutations that may increase cancer risk. This information can guide treatment decisions, inform future screening and help family members understand their own risk.
Support Services
We offer a wide range of services to support younger adults during and after cancer treatment:
- Cancer rehabilitation
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Cancer rehabilitation helps patients regain physical and emotional well-being.
- Spiritual care
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The University Hospitals Spiritual Care Team provides guidance and comfort tailored to individual beliefs and spiritual or religious needs.
- Art therapy
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At University Hospitals Connor Whole Health, art therapy offers patients and their family’s creative outlets for processing emotions through individual, family or group sessions.
- Music therapy
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Board-certified music therapists at UH Connor Whole Health use music to reduce stress, pain and anxiety. Music therapy is offered in groups or individual sessions.
- Social programs
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Social outings offered through our early-onset cancer program promote connection and counteract isolation by bringing young adult patients together in community settings to engage in shared activities, experiences, and conversation.
- Social workers
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Our counselors help patients manage the practical and emotional challenges of early-onset cancer.
- Onco-psychiatry
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Our onco-psychiatry service provides specialized evaluation and treatment for the emotional and cognitive challenges associated with cancer. We offer coordinated, safe medication management integrated with your oncology care, along with psychology and counseling services that support coping, resilience and overall emotional well-being.
- Child life services
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Child life specialists are clinically trained to support our patients who are parents to children and teenagers. They can help families and children of different developmental levels understand illness, express emotions, and develop healthy coping and communication strategies. If you or a loved one would like to speak with a child life specialist to discuss a diagnosis, changes in prognosis, end-of-life support, or managing separation due to hospitalization, please call 216-286-6761.
- Financial counselors
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Assist with navigating costs and insurance coverage.
- Nurse navigators
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Help coordinate care and patient appointments.
Reproductive Health and Sexual Concerns
Cancer and its treatment can affect fertility, sexual function and body-image. We offer fertility preservation options, and support for navigating changes in sexual health and birth control decisions.
Health and Wellness
UH Connor Whole Health provides integrative oncology services that combine evidence-based complementary therapies with lifestyle and stress management strategies. Patients receive personalized care plans that may include:
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Reiki
- Nutrition counseling
- Mind-body techniques
Survivorship
Our cancer survivorship services address long-term health and quality of life after treatment. We help patients:
- Manage long-term effects of treatment.
- Adjust to life beyond cancer, including managing the psychological and social aspects of survivorship.
- Coordinate follow-up care.
Early-Onset Cancer Specific Research
UH Seidman Cancer Center has researchers with specific focus on addressing clinical, genetic and social factors. Projects focus on topics related to the care of younger patients, including cellular and immunotherapy, genetic predisposition, fertility preservation and access to specialized services. This research is used to better understand the care provided and also to guide future interventions specifically for our patients.
Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute
Located within UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, the Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute serves children, teens and young adults who have cancer. It offers a specialized team of experts, youth-friendly facilities, and access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.
Meet the Team
Michael Daunov, DO
- Hematology and Oncology, Hospitalist (Internal Medicine), Pediatric Emergency Medicine
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Cleveland (0 mi.)
Cleveland (0 mi.)
Cleveland (0 mi.)
Mentor (20 mi.)
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Your health is important. Get expert care.
Offering in-person and virtual visits.
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