Information and service needs for young adult cancer patients

Abstract

Background: Young adulthood is a time of increased vulnerability to stress and presents young adult cancer patients and off-treatment survivors with major developmental challenges above and beyond those faced by their peers. The intent of this study was to examine supportive care needs and preferences among young adult cancer patients.

Methods: Two hundred and seventeen young adults aged 18-40 years and diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15-35 completed an online survey. Adapted from prior research on young adult survivors of childhood cancer, questions assessed the extent to which subjects had utilized various information and supportive care services and/or expressed a desire to use those services either now or in the past.

Results: While young adult patients demonstrate a high demand for information and assistance regarding diet and nutrition, exercise, fertility options, complementary and alternative services and assistance with health insurance, 40-50% of patients report that these needs are unmet. More than 50% of respondents who indicated a need or desire for camp programs and retreats, counseling or guidance related to sexuality, counseling for family members, infertility treatment and adoption services, transportation assistance, child care and alcohol or drug abuse counseling also indicated that these needs were unmet. Younger respondents (18-29 years olds) were significantly more likely to indicate unmet needs for the supportive care services assessed here.

Conclusion: Findings serve as recommendations as to when and to whom to target delivery of supportive care services.