Age-Specific Patient Navigation Preferences Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Abstract

AYAs with cancer have different preferences for patient navigation by developmental age at diagnosis. AYAs are not a one-size-fits-all population, and navigation programs can better assist AYAs when services are targeted to appropriate developmental ages. Future research should examine fertility and navigation preferences by time since diagnosis. While some navigation needs to span the AYA age range, other needs are specific to developmental age.

Patient Navigation Preferences for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Services by Distance to Treatment Location

“…Age may be particularly relevant in determining preferred communication format, as generational preferences for certain types of communication may differ between younger and older AYAs. 28 …”

Closing the financial toxicity gap for adolescents and young adults with cancer

“…Shih et al recently recommended that standards of care should include screening for financial toxicity, and that system‐wide approaches should focus on patient‐provider communication regarding the financial impact of cancer, treatment decisions that reflect patients’ values based on evidence, prognosis, and their financial standing, and directing patients at higher risk of financial toxicity for financial assistance programs . Our studies of AYA cancer patients demonstrate that they want to have cost conversations with providers . As AYA oncology programs continue to increase in numbers, they provide an important environment to increase provider awareness of these issues and to develop and test age‐appropriate financial support programs for AYAs with cancer.…”

Understanding, measuring, and addressing the financial impact of cancer on adolescents and young adults

“…Qualitative findings from a study that investigated patient‐navigator needs and preferences for AYA patients with cancer during and after treatment highlighted the need for health insurance, child care, and financial support. Differences emerged among the developmental subgroups: adolescents (15–18 years) were interested in educational assistance and information about how health insurance works; emerging adults (19–25 years) and young adults (26–39 years) wanted a review of medical bills, detailed information about health insurance payments, and financial assistance for living expenses; and young adults additionally wanted financial assistance for treatment‐related expenses . A novel pilot feasibility study of a financial navigation program has been reported recently to reduce anxiety about the costs of cancer care in older adult patients with cancer, which could have relevance for AYAs.…”