Quality cancer care for adolescents and young adults: a position statement

Abstract

Purpose: This consensus-based position statement on behalf of the LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance (Alliance) offers recommendations to enhance oncologic care of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer.

Background: In 2005 to 2006, the National Cancer Institute and the Lance Armstrong Foundation jointly sponsored the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Progress Review Group (PRG). The PRG report included the directive to develop standards of care for AYA patients with cancer and to disseminate these guidelines to the community. To this end, the Alliance convened a meeting of experts (clinicians, researchers, and advocates) in June 2009 and derived this position statement.

Results: Quality care for AYAs depends on four critical elements: timely detection; efficient processes for diagnosis, initiation of treatment, and promotion of adherence; access to health care professionals who possess knowledge specific to the biomedical and psychosocial needs of this population; and research that will ultimately derive objective criteria for the development of AYA oncology care guidelines. Achieving quality care for AYAs will require assistance with management of disease and treatment effects; cognizance of the unique psychosocial context for AYA growth and development; assessment of and attention to cognitive, psychiatric, and psychosocial issues; facilitated transition to treatment care; and referral to age-appropriate information and support services.

Conclusion: Dissemination of recommendations stated here will raise awareness of the need for AYA-specific care guidelines and assist providers in the delivery of care that is responsive to the distinct needs of AYAs with cancer.