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Review
. 2023 Apr 1;15(7):1731.
doi: 10.3390/nu15071731.

Food Insecurity and Nutritional Challenges in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors in the U.S.A.: A Narrative Review and Call to Action

Callie Ogland-Hand  1   2 , Timothy H Ciesielski  1   2 , Katherine Daunov  3 , Melanie K Bean  4 , Nora L Nock  2   5
Affiliations
Review

Food Insecurity and Nutritional Challenges in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors in the U.S.A.: A Narrative Review and Call to Action

Callie Ogland-Hand et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Advancements in cancer treatments over the past several decades have led to improved cancer survival in adolescents and young adults (AYAs, ages 15-39 years). However, AYA cancer survivors are at an increased risk for "late effects", including cardiovascular, pulmonary and bone diseases as well as fatigue, infertility and secondary cancers. The treatments for cancer may also alter taste, lead to nutritional deficiencies and increase financial burdens that, when taken together, may increase the risk of food and nutrition security in AYA cancer survivors. Furthermore, although AYAs are often merged together in cancer survivorship studies, adolescents and young adults have distinct developmental, psychosocial and pathophysiological differences that may modify their risk of nutritional challenges. In this narrative review and "Call to Action", rationale is provided for why there is a need to better understand nutritional challenges and food insecurity in AYA cancer survivors as a special population. Then, recommendations for next steps to advance knowledge and policy in this field are provided. In particular, integrating screening for food and nutrition insecurity and enhancing awareness of existing resources (e.g., the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP) might help AYA cancer survivors combat nutritional deficiencies and reduce late effects while improving their overall survival and quality of life.

Keywords: adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors; financial insecurity; food insecurity; malnutrition; nutrition security.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Food and Nutrition Insecurity in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Survivors: Treatments for cancer may exacerbate nutritional deficiencies and adverse health outcomes (“late effects”) in AYA cancer survivors. Higher levels of financial insecurity and mental health issues common in this population as well as the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate effects of food and nutrition insecurity.
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