LIVESTRONG recognizes that young adults with cancer slip into a lonely no-man's land. Too old for the instant community of a children's hospital, they still don't fit in with the over-50 community that overwhelmingly populates adult cancer wards. Because young adults with cancer are a relatively small group, the difficulty of finding peer support is increased exponentially, forcing many to deal in isolation with issues specific to this age and stage of life: dating with cancer, disclosure to a potential employer, long-term insurance issues, moving back home, loss of fertility, or having to quit school or a newly launched career.

Planet Cancer exists so that no young adult will have to endure such isolation again.

• Online Community

The My Planet social network is the world's largest online community of young adults who have been affected by cancer. It's a place where members find and communicate with other young adults around the world about what's on their minds – from death or fertility issues to dumb things people say.

• Weekend retreats

Our weekend retreat program brings together young adults for recreation and personal exploration with their peers, helping them forge connections that will sustain them as they move on with their lives, in or out of treatment. We currently offer programs for: 18-25 year olds, 25-40 year olds, and young couples under 40 facing cancer together.

• Spreading the word

We do everything we can to raise awareness about the unique needs and issues of this underserved population. We actively seek to work with and connect all organizations involved with young adults in the interests of sharing best practices, expanding the referral network, and avoiding duplication of effort. Learn more about the LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance and how we're working to raise awareness and effect positive change for young adults with cancer.