“I was earning my own money, owned my own car and had mates over all the time. I was very independent and then, next thing, I was completely dependent.”– Patient Member
A cancer diagnosis has a significant impact on the lives of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. Research has identified that young people who have cancer have needs in a number of areas*, including:
- Treatment environment and care
- Daily life
- Feelings and relationships
- Information/Activities
- Education
- Work
Cancer can have a prolonged impact on the lives of AYA cancer survivors who may experience ongoing health issues, residual trauma and enduring concerns for their future.
“I have flashbacks, paranoia and worry about side effects and anything that might trigger pain.”– Patient Member
Young people who become cancer survivors often face ongoing issues, such as:
- Ongoing psychosocial, supportive care and emotional issues
- Impact on their family relationships, friendships, social networks and level of social functioning
- Health complications relating to their cancer treatment, such as cognitive impairment or fertility issues
- Impact on their everyday life, such as their education and career
- Fear of and actual relapse or recurrence of cancer
- Guilt that they have survived when others they know might not have
- Grief with dealing with the loss of friends they may have met on their cancer journey
- Impact on the development of their identity and independence as adolescence and young adulthood is traditionally a time of considerable change and development