Young & Diagnosed

Tools to help younger patients survive cancer and reclaim their lives

August 25, 2025 - While advancements in medicine mean more individuals are surviving cancer, a concerning trend reveals an increasing number of young adults are being diagnosed with the disease. El Camino Health Cancer Center is responding to this concern head-on with a groundbreaking, patient-centered approach that addresses not only the physical demands of treatment but also the emotional and psychological toll of a life-threatening illness at a young age.

"When a younger person is diagnosed with cancer, there's just so much more emotional gravity," said Shane Dormady, M.D., medical director of the El Camino Health Cancer Center in Mountain View and Los Gatos. "They're thinking about raising their children, the mortgage on their house, paying bills, planning their next vacation and just living. All of a sudden, their world crashes and the sky falls in as they're diagnosed with cancer."

Recognizing the specific needs of patients under 50, especially those in their 30s and 40s, El Camino Health has developed a cancer care model that includes medical, emotional and psychosocial support. The center provides access to oncology-certified psychologists, dietitians, and a dedicated team of nurse navigators.

With a comprehensive team, timely diagnosis and intervention are possible. New patient coordinators strive to schedule patients within 24 to 48 hours of referral, or in more urgent cases, same-day consultations are made available.

"Cancer care in general is predicated on the idea that people need to be seen promptly because cancer cells grow and divide with each passing hour and have the potential to metastasize to other parts of the body," said Dr. Dormady.

From physical to emotional treatment, support groups within El Camino Health also play a critical role in recovery. "Support groups focus on the mental health of the cancer patient to remind the patient they are not alone," said Dr. Dormady. "There are tens of thousands of patients exactly like you going through the same thing and there is hope."

For younger survivors, lingering anxiety can persist long after treatment ends. El Camino Health focuses on behavioral strategies for restoring mental wellness and offers long-term wellness plans.

"The other part of healing and restoration for young cancer patients is teaching them the three principles of healthy living: exercise, adequate hydration and eating nutritiously," said Dr. Dormady. "Consuming a diet that's low in animal and dairy fat and high in dietary fiber is important."

For one El Camino Health patient, Steven Gonzales—a husband, father of two, and former law enforcement officer—the cancer journey began unexpectedly with back pain. What started as a routine MRI led to scans, specialist visits and ultimately, a meeting with Dr. Dormady.

"I still remember the first [time I met him.] He opened the door, gave me a big hug and said, 'Everything’s going to be okay,'" Gonzales recalled.

What followed was a complex and emotionally intense battle against cancer. After initial chemotherapy showed promising results, a follow-up scan revealed the cancer was growing again. Dr. Dormady took swift, aggressive action, navigating treatment decisions, advocating with insurance and even calling specialists personally to ensure his patient received timely and appropriate care.

"Cancer is an emotional journey. Looking back, it's the hardest thing you'll ever have to do," said Gonzales. "But having someone beside you makes everything that much easier."

El Camino Health is dedicated to helping patients overcome obstacles throughout their care, building resilience and confidence throughout their diagnosis and treatment.

"The biggest takeaway for young patients is that they are not facing this cancer journey alone," said Dr. Dormady. "Despite the gravity of a cancer diagnosis, hope remains."

About El Camino Health

El Camino Health has served the communities of Silicon Valley and the South Bay for more than 60 years, with nationally recognized physicians and nurses at two not-for-profit acute care hospitals in Los Gatos and Mountain View, and 26 care locations across the region, which includes primary care, multi-specialty care, and urgent care. El Camino Health is dedicated to giving patients high-quality care utilizing the most advanced technology and research. As your healthcare partner of choice, we focus on keeping you healthy and getting you back on your feet when you need it, so you can live your best life.

Aside from achieving outstanding patient outcomes, the hospitals have earned numerous awards for clinical excellence, including being named one of the World’s Best Hospitals 2025 by Newsweek, one of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's 100 Best for Cardiac Care by Healthgrades and becoming the San Francisco Bay Area's first Magnet hospital, earning four consecutive designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nursing excellence.

Key service lines include cancer care, cardiovascular care, maternity care, mental health and addiction services, orthopedics, pulmonology, urology, and women's health. Visit elcaminohealth.org to learn more.

###