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![Younger cancer patients face higher hurdles for healing Younger cancer patients face higher hurdles for healing](/synthesis/issues/fall2011/images/f1_TOC.jpg)
Younger cancer patients face higher hurdles for healing
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients – those between ages 15 and 39 – have shown little or no improvement in cancer survival rates for several decades, even while other age groups have shown marked improvement. WeCARE! Peer Navigator Program helps address disparities.
![National research team tries new approach to speed treatments National research team tries new approach to speed treatments](/synthesis/issues/fall2011/images/f2_TOC.jpg)
National research team tries new approach to speed treatments
Greater than the sum of its parts, about a dozen university cancer centers search for better cancer treatments.
![Cancer Center researchers develop new surgical decision-making tool for late-stage patients Cancer Center researchers develop new surgical decision-making tool for late-stage patients](/synthesis/issues/fall2011/images/f3_TOC.jpg)
Cancer Center researchers develop new surgical decision-making tool for late-stage patients
A new decision-making tool developed by a team led by UC Davis Cancer Center surgical oncologist Robert Canter allows physicians to calculate patient-specific risk of dying due to complications from the surgery, based on variables associated with their disease.
![Research aims to improve outcomes for HER2 breast cancer patients Research aims to improve outcomes for HER2 breast cancer patients](/synthesis/issues/fall2011/images/f4_TOC.jpg)
Research aims to improve outcomes for HER2 breast cancer patients
Whether stress contributes to the onset or progression of cancer is a question many eminent cancer researchers have dismissed, pointing to a body of epidemiological studies as proof of its invalidity.
![Creative hi-tech tools draw in teens and young adults with cancer Creative hi-tech tools draw in teens and young adults with cancer](/synthesis/issues/fall2011/images/f5_TOC.jpg)
Creative hi-tech tools draw in teens and young adults with cancer
When Marlene von Friederichs-Fitzwater was diagnosed with cervical cancer as a young adult, she felt afraid about how the illness might affect her life. But there was more.