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Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are at a unique developmental stage and a cancer diagnosis can have substantial physical, psychological and social effects.

“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

Young people diagnosed with cancer have also reported positive effects such as increased maturity and resilience and a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others.

Find out more about the impact of cancer on the lives of young people who have or have had cancer:

 

  • Read our Research Snapshot on the needs of young people who have or have had cancer
  • Read the Cancer Institute NSW Monograph on Adolescents, Young Adults and Cancer in New South Wales, April 2009 – provides an overview of the current treatment pathways and models of care for AYA with cancer, their access to and participation in clinical trials, palliative and psychosocial support needs and psychosocial and late-effects for this group of cancer patients in NSW.

 

Find out more about the how Canteen supports young people who have been diagnosed with cancer here.

 

* Clinton-McHarg, T., Carey, M., Sanson-Fisher, R., D’este, C., Shakesshaft, A. Preliminary development and psychometric evaluation of an unmet needs measure for adolescents and young adults with cancer: the Cancer Needs Questionnaire – Young People (CNQ-YP). Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. 2012;10.