POGO Strengthens Cancer Care for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) Across Ontario
AYA Cancer Awareness Week highlights need for equitable, age-appropriate cancer care for those aged 15 to 39
Toronto, ON – April 5, 2026 – The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) is leading a province‑wide effort to improve access to age-appropriate care for adolescents and young adults with cancer, in collaboration with hospitals across Ontario and government partners.
Each year in Ontario, more than 6,200 adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 39 are in active cancer treatment, including over 3,700 newly diagnosed patients. This age group is at a pivotal stage in their lives, often finishing school, starting careers, buying homes, and building families. A cancer diagnosis during this time can have far reaching effects on education, employment, mental health, fertility, relationships, and long term well-being — creating care needs that differ from those of children or older adults.
With the generous support of the Ministry of Health, POGO is supporting program expansion and working to ensure equitable access to expert care no matter where adolescents and young adults live in Ontario. POGO currently partners with eight hospitals across the province, where teams offer supports such as counselling for fertility preservation, mental health, sexual health, employment and education, as well as referrals to specialists.
“POGO is committed to ensuring that every adolescent and young adult with cancer has access to age appropriate care that reflects their distinct needs,” said Lauren Ettin, POGO CEO. “By working with our partners, we are building a provincial system that provides the right support to those between the ages of 15 and 39 at a critical juncture in their lives.”
POGO is partnering with and funding programs at the following Ontario hospitals:
- Hamilton Health Sciences
- London Health Sciences Centre
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
- Southlake Health
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- The Ottawa Hospital
- Waterloo Regional Health Network Cancer Centre
- William Osler Health System
