“Young Adult Cancer Symposium” Held to Discuss the Characteristics of Cancers Common Among Young People and Strategies for Social Support

 

Launch of “MY HOPE” Exercise Crew, Korea’s First Integrated Support Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors

 

“I want to take this opportunity to overcome the fatigue I’ve felt after cancer treatment and become healthier both physically and mentally.”

 

▲The AMC Cancer Institute held the inaugural ceremony for the “MY HOPE” Exercise Crew, Korea’s first integrated support program for young adult cancer survivors, on November 1.
The photo shows MY HOPE crew members—comprising cancer patients, their families, and friends—running along the Seongnae Stream trail near Asan Medical Center together with medical staff from the AMC Cancer Institute, including Professor Hee Jeong Kim of the Division of Breast Surgery and Professor In Ja Park of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

 

The number of young adults aged 20 to 39 diagnosed with cancer has surged to nearly 19,000 cases per year, according to the 2022 Korea National Cancer Registration and Statistics Program. In response, experts gathered to discuss ways to improve the survival rates and quality of life of young cancer patients.

 

The AMC Cancer Institute held the “Young Adult Cancer Symposium” on November 1 at the Education & Research Building of Asan Medical Center. Under the theme “Multidisciplinary Care for Young Adult Cancer Patients – Healing and Communication, Personalized Treatment, and Empowering Independence,” the symposium drew significant attention with the participation of around 200 attendees, including medical professionals.

 

According to the National Cancer Information Center, excluding thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer ranks first in incidence among individuals aged 15 to 34, followed by breast cancer. Among women, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer rank fourth and fifth respectively, indicating particularly high incidence rates of gynecologic cancers in this age group.

 

To help young cancer patients receive proper treatment, regain their health, and successfully return to society, the AMC Cancer Institute organized the “Young Adult Cancer Symposium.” The event explored the characteristics of cancers commonly found in younger patients—such as colorectal, breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers—and engaged in in-depth discussions on psychological and social support strategies for this age group.

 

Cancers that develop at a young age tend to be more aggressive than those in older patients. In addition, most young cancer patients are not eligible for regular health screenings and often lack cancer insurance coverage.

 

Because this stage of life is when individuals are building their future, many young cancer patients face significant challenges after treatment, such as returning to school or work, and making decisions about marriage or childbirth. Financial burdens, psychological distress, and career interruptions often lead to feelings of social isolation.

 

The first session, titled “Understanding the Characteristics of Young Adult Cancer Patients,” featured a presentation by Professor Hee Jeong Kim of the Division of Breast Surgery at Asan Medical Center on “Clinical Characteristics of Young Breast Cancer Patients.” According to the Korean Breast Cancer Society, patients under the age of 45 account for 34.8 percent of all breast cancer cases in Korea, representing a notably high proportion.

 

Following that, Professor Jeong Eun Kim of the Division of Oncology at Asan Medical Center delivered a lecture on “Early Onset Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults.” Between 2008 and 2012, Korea recorded the highest incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer in the world, with 12.9 cases per 100,000 people aged 20 to 49.

 

Professor Ju-Hyun Kim of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Asan Medical Center gave a presentation on “Gynecologic Cancers in Young Women.” While the incidence of cervical cancer has been declining due to the expansion of national cancer screening programs and the widespread use of HPV vaccination, cases of ovarian and endometrial cancer continue to rise, warranting greater attention.

 

The second session, titled “Young Cancer Survivors and Policy Support,” featured presentations on the following topics: “Fertility Preservation and Pregnancy Safety” by Professor Ju Hee Kim from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Mental Health of Young Cancer Survivors” by Professor Seockhoon Chung from the Department of Psychiatry; and “Importance of Managing Long-term Complications and Health Maintenance” by Professor Yoosun Cho from the Department of Family Medicine at Asan Medical Center.

 

Additional presentations covered topics such as “Expanding National Support for Fertility Preservation Procedures” by Yena Kang, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and “Sexual Health Challenges Including Decreased Sexual Function and Psychological Distress” by Sun Young Yoo, Advanced Practice Nurse in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Asan Medical Center.

 

▲The AMC Cancer Institute held the “Young Adult Cancer Symposium” on November 1 at the Education & Research Building of Asan Medical Center to discuss strategies for improving the survival rates and quality of life of young cancer patients.
The photo shows Professor Hee Jeong Kim (far right) of the Division of Breast Surgery giving a presentation on the characteristics of cancers with high incidence among young adults.
From left: Moon-Won Yoo, Director of the Stomach Cancer Center; In Ja Park, Director of the Colorectal Cancer Center; Seockhoon Chung, Director of Life Care Center for Cancer Patient; Si Yeol Song, President of the AMC Cancer Institute; and Dae-Yeon Kim, Director of the AMC Gynecologic Cancer Center.

 

Hee Jeong Kim, Director of the Cancer Edu-Info Center and Professor of Division of Breast Surgery at Asan Medical Center, stated, “It is important to take a multidisciplinary approach to help young cancer patients not only complete their treatment but also rediscover how to ‘live as themselves’—addressing challenges such as returning to school or work, marriage, and pregnancy. This symposium was a meaningful opportunity for medical professionals to share insights and explore ways to improve both treatment and post-treatment quality of life for young cancer patients.”

 

Meanwhile, Asan Medical Center has launched recruitment for the “MY HOPE” Exercise Crew to help young cancer patients build healthy lifestyles and find strength through connection with peers who share similar experiences. The MY HOPE Crew is Korea’s first integrated support program for young adult cancer survivors, bringing together experts in medicine, psychology, social work, exercise, and nutrition.

 

The inaugural ceremony for the MY HOPE Exercise Crew—comprising selected cancer patients, their families, and friends—was held on November 1 at Asan Medical Center.

 

Crew members gathered under various team names, each reflecting their own unique stories and goals: ‘Forest Trail Hunters,’ who wish to show that even during chemotherapy, life can still be joyful when shared with others through healthy walks in nature; ‘I Hate Cancer but It’s Okay, Let’s Live Long (Am-Si-Long-Long Run),’ who hope to grow healthier alongside the supportive friends who stood by them through diagnosis and exercise; and ‘Walking into Spring,’ who aim to find both physical and emotional healing through hiking, creating moments where their very presence becomes proof of hope.

 

MY HOPE crew members and medical staff at Asan Medical Center shared open discussions on cancer management and future exercise plans, receiving professional guidance and encouragement from experts. The event also included walking and running activities in which both the crew members and healthcare professionals participated together.

 

Kim, a breast cancer patient in her 40s and a member of the MY HOPE crew “I Hate Cancer but It’s Okay, Let’s Live Long,” shared, “Before cancer treatment, I really enjoyed exercising, but after treatment, my body didn’t move the way I wanted, and over time, I lost the motivation to stay active. When I was feeling increasingly sluggish and fatigued, I heard that Asan Medical Center was recruiting for the MY HOPE crew, and I decided to take a chance and apply. Through this opportunity, I want to strengthen my positive mindset—‘I can do it, if I try!’—while making lasting memories and staying healthy with my friends.”

 

Cho, a member of the ‘Nogosan Mates’ crew and a uterine sarcoma patient in her 30s, shared, “My friends and I used to think that cancer was something far from our lives, but after my diagnosis, we were all deeply shocked and began to look after one another’s physical and emotional health. Through regular crew activities, I hope to build up my stamina, encourage each other to stay active, and successfully climb Hallasan Mountain with my crew next April.”

 

Starting with the inaugural ceremony on November 1, the MY HOPE crew will carry out activities for six months, continuing through the end of April next year. During this period, members will voluntarily participate in regular crew activities at least twice a month. By sharing their experiences—such as running and hiking—on social media, they aim to connect with other cancer patients and raise public awareness about young adult cancer.

 

Si Yeol Song, President of the AMC Cancer Institute and Professor of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Asan Medical Center, stated, “The MY HOPE program represents a new step forward, reflecting the Asan Cancer Institute’s commitment to providing more structured support for the ‘life after treatment’ of young cancer survivors. In addition to offering the best possible medical care, Asan Medical Center will continue to help young cancer survivors regain their daily lives by focusing on recovery and reintegration after treatment.”