Alexandra Zatylny RN, BN, BSc
jaxaya@muhc.mcgill.ca
(514) 349-4005
The JAX AYA Nurse Navigator is a dedicated guide for adolescents and young adults affected by cancer. They help patients and families understand their care, coordinate services, navigate important decisions, and access supportive resources.
From diagnosis and throughout the cancer experience, they provide personalized support, advocacy, and help patients and families feel informed, supported, and connected.
How the JAX AYA Nurse Navigator Can Support You
Understanding Your Care
- Explain your diagnosis and treatment plan
- Help you understand what to expect throughout your care
- Support informed decision-making
Coordinating Care and Services
- Connect you with oncology, fertility, mental health, social work, rehabilitation, and survivorship services
- Help you access financial assistance, community resources, and practical supports
Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care
- Work closely with the Pediatric-Adult Transition Hub (PATH) team
- Support a smooth transition to adult healthcare services
- Help build confidence, independence, and self-advocacy skills
Building Community and Connection
- Connect you with other young adults facing cancer
- Share opportunities to participate in events, peer support, and AYA activities
Supporting Life Goals
- Help address challenges related to school, work, relationships, and future planning
- Support your goals during and after treatment
Fertility and Sexual Health
- Discuss how treatment may affect fertility and sexual health
- Connect you with fertility preservation specialists and resources
Advanced Cancer Support
- Provide guidance and support when facing complex decisions
- Help ensure care aligns with your goals, values, and priorities
- Create a safe space to discuss difficult topics and future planning
Why It Matters
Adolescents and young adults often face unique challenges that are not fully addressed within traditional pediatric or adult cancer programs. The JAX AYA Nurse Navigator helps ensure care is age-appropriate, coordinated, and responsive to the medical, emotional, social, and practical needs of young people affected by cancer.
AYAs Are More Than Their Diagnosis
A cancer diagnosis can affect many of life’s most important milestones. It can disrupt these experiences in ways that are unique to this stage of life.
Young adults may be navigating the following:
School or post-secondary education
Fertility and future family planning
Identity and future goals
Career development
Financial independence
The Biology of Cancer Is Different
Cancer in adolescents and young adults is not simply “pediatric cancer” or “adult cancer.”
Some cancers occur more frequently in young adults, and certain cancers may behave differently due to unique biological and genetic characteristics. Understanding these differences helps researchers develop better treatments and improve outcomes for AYAs.
AYAs Often Fall Into a Care Gap
Young adults may receive care in pediatric or adult healthcare settings, but neither system is always designed to address their specific needs.
Important concerns can sometimes be overlooked, including:
Your Health
- Fertility and sexual health
- Survivorship and long-term health
- Advanced cancer and palliative care needs
Your Well-being
- Mental health and emotional well-being
- Peer connection and social support
Your Future
- School and career planning
AYA cancer care helps bridge this gap by ensuring these issues are part of the conversation.
Research Matters
Historically, adolescents and young adults have been underrepresented in cancer research and clinical trials.
AYA-focused research helps improve our understanding of:
Cancer & Treatment
- Cancer biology in young adults
- Treatment outcomes
Life Beyond Cancer
- Quality of life
- Survivorship
Supportive & Reproductive Health
- Fertility and reproductive health
- Mental health and psychosocial well-being
Research not only improves care today—it helps shape the future of cancer care for the next generation of young adults.
Because Young Adults Deserve Care Designed for Them
Cancer may be part of the story, but it should not define the future.
JAX exists to ensure that adolescents and young adults receive care, support, and opportunities that reflect who they are, where they are in life, and where they hope to go next.
