“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles 

Approximately 80,000 young adults aged 20 to 39 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. About 5% of all cancers are diagnosed in people in this age range. About 9,000 young adults die from cancer each year. Cancer is the 4th leading cause of death in this age group, behind only accidents, suicide, and homicide. It’s the leading cause of death from disease among females in this age group, and is second only to heart disease among males.

Young women are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than young men, but young men and women are equally likely to die of cancer. Survival rates for cancer in young adults have not changed much in recent decades, unlike the improvements seen in many cancers in children and older adults. Survival rates can vary a great deal, based on the type of cancer and other factors.

Young adults with cancer face many challenges, from the first onset of problems through treatment and beyond. Too often, symptoms or warning signs are ignored or dismissed due to the age of the patient.  It is seen as something that occurs more predominately in the older population.  With more research, discussion, and public awareness, maybe the key symptoms that might have otherwise been dismissed will be detected early on.

Target Audience

Des Moines University students, staff, and faculty, physicians, nurses, social workers, other medical professionals, and families who have been affected by young adult cancer.

Agenda

All times listed are in Central Time.

Remembering Katie

Katherine Miller, known as Katie by her medical school classmates, was a dynamic, empathetic, kind, and beautiful young woman. She approached life with determination and love. Her compassion, drive, and natural charm inspired family members, friends, educators, and mentors. 

Born in New York City and baptized in the Greek Orthodox faith, Katie lived with her family first in Manhattan and then in Palm Beach, Florida, where she completed elementary and middle school education. She graduated from high school at Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut. She gravitated toward math, science, and French studies. She excelled academically and earned Dean’s List honors. Outside the classroom, Katie formed enduring friendships through her passion for water sports. She also explored the fine arts through painting and drawing and enjoyed impressionist art especially. 

At the University of Virginia, Katherine found herself drawn to ancient Latin and Greek intricacies, which led her to intensive summer language studies in classics at the University of California-Berkeley and studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. In Florida, Katie served several internships with local physicians and came to value the holistic approach to treating patients. Katie succumbed to colon cancer in 2005 at age 26.

Thank you to the Miller family for their generous support! Their contribution makes this conference possible.