AYA cancer patients lack support

A young adult patient
receiving chemotherapy
Credit: Rhoda Baer

New research indicates that adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients often lack the social, psychological, and informational support they need.

The study, published in Cancer, showed that AYA patients in their 20s were most likely to report having unmet psychosocial needs.

And whether patients were treated in a pediatric or adult setting played a role in their psychosocial well-being.

“When [AYA patients] are diagnosed with cancer, they face issues—like premature confrontation with mortality, changes in physical appearance, disruptions in school or work, financial challenges, and loss of reproductive capacity—that can all be particularly distressing,” said Bradley Zebrack, PhD, of the University of Michigan.

“Whether it’s mental healthcare, information for topics like infertility, or other aspects of care like camps or retreat programs, this study shows that many of these patients aren’t getting the care they need to address these unique challenges.”

The researchers surveyed 215 newly diagnosed cancer patients between the ages of 14 and 39. Surveys assessed patients’ use of, and desire for, information resources, emotional support services, and practical support services.

The team found that patients in their 20s were significantly less likely than teens and patients in their 30s to report using mental health services. Twenty-somethings were also more likely to report an unmet need for cancer information, infertility information, and diet or nutrition information.

Additionally, compared with teens treated in pediatric settings, young adults treated in adult facilities were more likely to report an unmet need for age-appropriate Internet sites, mental health services, camp and retreat programs, transportation assistance, and complementary and alternative health services.

Dr Zebrack noted that there is a lack of research surrounding the needs and desires of AYA patients. And this makes it difficult for healthcare professionals to establish age-appropriate services to meet the patients’ unique psychosocial challenges.

He said the results of this study might help medical professionals better tailor their care to meet the needs of AYA patients.

“Our research shows increasing patient referral to community-based social service agencies and reputable Internet resources can enhance the care and improve the quality of life for this group of patients,” Dr Zebrack said. “The more we know about their needs, the better support healthcare professionals will be able to provide.”

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