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. 2014;32(1):1-15.
doi: 10.1080/07347332.2013.855959.

"Cancer sucks," and other ponderings by adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

Brad Zebrack  1 , Erin E Kent, Theresa H M Keegan, Ikuko Kato, Ashley Wilder Smith; AYA HOPE Study Collaborative Group
Collaborators, Affiliations

"Cancer sucks," and other ponderings by adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

Brad Zebrack et al. J Psychosoc Oncol. 2014.

Abstract

As part of the National Cancer Institute's AYA HOPE study, 296 adolescent and young adults (AYAs) completed an open-ended survey item asking them to describe their medical care or experience with cancer. Patient, provider, and system-level characteristics all appear to influence AYAs' perceptions of their medical care. Participants attributed levels of satisfaction with care to the availability and communication of information, the management of side-effects, and the expediency and flexibility of treatments. Struggles with health insurance and finances were evident. Findings contribute to a better understanding of AYAs' cancer treatment experiences and will inform improvements to oncology care for this population.

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