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. 2013 Feb;20(1):14-22.
doi: 10.3747/co.20.1207.

Do current cancer follow-up care practices meet the needs of young adult cancer survivors in Canada? A qualitative inquiry

B Miedema  1 , J Easley, L M Robinson
Affiliations

Do current cancer follow-up care practices meet the needs of young adult cancer survivors in Canada? A qualitative inquiry

B Miedema et al. Curr Oncol. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to assess whether current cancer follow-up care practices meet the needs of young adult cancer survivors in Canada.

Methods: This qualitative study used a constructivist grounded theory framework to analyze telephone interviews with cancer survivors from across Canada diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 39 years. The focus was specifically on cancer follow-up care (cfc).

Results: Interviews were conducted with 55 participants, and 53 interviews were used for the analysis. The overall theme that emerged from the data was the lack of age-specific cfc. Some of the subthemes that emerged were the absence or inadequacy of fertility and infertility treatment options; of psychological services such as family, couples, and sexuality counseling; of social supports such as assistance with entry or re-entry into the education system or workplace; of access to supplemental health insurance; and of survivorship care plans. Based on the data resulting from the interviews, we developed a conceptual model of young-adult cfc incorporating the major themes and subthemes that emerged from our study. The proposed model aims to ensure a more age-appropriate and comprehensive approach to cfc for this group of cancer patients.

Conclusions: Current Canadian cfc practices are inadequate and do not provide comprehensive care for young adult cancer survivors in Canada. The conceptual model presented here aims to ensure a more comprehensive approach to cfc that meets the needs of this unique cancer population and reduces further possible physical, psychological, or social cancer sequelae.

Keywords: Young adult cancer; follow-up care; psychosocial issues; qualitative study; survivorship.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Conceptual model of follow-up care in young adults with cancer.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Specific needs of young adult cancer survivors.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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