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Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer Need Social and Psychological Support

TOP - Daily

New research published in the journal Cancer shows the social, psychological, and informational support that adolescents and young adult cancer patients need may be unmet.

Compared with children and older adult patients with cancer, patients aged 14 to 39 years exhibit unique psychological and social needs after diagnosis due to their age-related development. Treatment settings, whether pediatric or adult, can influence these patients’ clinical and psychosocial well-being.

According to results from the study led by University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, a significant number of adolescent and young adult patients with cancer are not getting their care needs met.

“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,” says Bradley Zebrack, PhD, MSW, MPH, associate professor of social work at the University of Michigan.

For the study, 215 newly diagnosed cancer patients between the ages of 14 and 39 years were surveyed to determine their use of and desire for various information resources, emotional support services, and practical support services.

Researchers found that patients in their 20s were significantly less likely than teens and patients in their 30s to report using mental health services. Patients in their 20s were also more likely to report an unmet need for cancer information, infertility information, and diet/nutrition information.

Furthermore, compared with teens treated in pediatric facilities, young adults treated in adult, as opposed to pediatric, settings 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.

Zebrack, the study’s lead author, says that due to a lack of research surrounding the needs and desires for care of patients in this age group, it can be difficult for healthcare professionals to institute age-appropriate services that meet the unique psychosocial challenges of adolescent and young adult patients with cancer.

“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,” Zebrack says. “The more we know about their needs, the better support healthcare professionals will be able to provide.”

Source: University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.