Adolescents and young adult patients with cancer have a number of unique medical and psychosocial concerns that have been identified by panels of experts, including (although not limited to) fertility preservation, parenting, education, and employment attainment and retention. The relative importance of these issues understandably varies markedly across the broad age range defined. These issues should be considered as part of the overall therapeutic plan for the patient. Specific recommendations are highlighted in the NCCN Guidelines for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology. Many centers have established AYA centers to accommodate the specific needs of patients with cancer in this age group. Consideration should be given to referring such patients to one of these AYA centers of excellence if feasible.The NCCN Guidelines for AYA Oncology have been developed as supportive care guidelines and not as treatment guidelines. The purpose of the guidelines is to identify and increase awareness of unique issues in AYA oncology. In addition, these guidelines will identify resources available to the AYA population, include appropriate tabular materials, and make recommendations per patient management.• AYA patients diagnosed with cancer should be recognized as distinct age groups that have unique medical and psychosocial needs. The frequency of distribution of cancer types is dramatically different across the age spectrum of the AYA population.c• The distinct biology of disease as well as other age-related issues in the AYA population (fertility, long-term side effects, insurance/financial issues, transportation to clinic appointments, child care, psychosocial support, and adherence to therapy) should be considered in the treatment decision-making process.• Participation in clinical trials as well as enrollment on tumor banking and biologic protocols should be strongly encouraged in the AYA population