The 9th annual "Celebration of Hope" was held at the Wyoming Capitol Thursday. The event, sponsored by the Wyoming Comprehensive Cancer Control Consortium (WCCCC), focused on blood cancers and issues faced by young adult cancer survivors.

Governor Matt Mead said many Wyoming families have been touched by cancer and have had to deal with the ramifications of the disease. He added that cancer is not only associated with older people. Mead said young adults (between the ages of 15 and 39) are a largely unknown group in the war on cancer.

According to the WCCCC, there were more than 557 young adult cancer survivors living in Wyoming in 2009. Cancer survival rates in the young adult population have not changed in 30 years. This age group has the highest uninsured or underinsured rates of any age group in the U.S., which may lead to delayed diagnosis and healthcare.

WCCCC created a "Stupid Cancer" chapter in the state to help raise awareness of young adult cancers. "Stupid Cancer" is the nation's largest support community for this underserved population.

WCCCC is partnering with the chapter to present Wyoming's free inaugural young adult "Stupid Cancer" conference in Casper on March 29.

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