Psychosocial issues for adolescent and young adult cancer patients in a global context: A forward‐looking approach

Abstract

The first decade of adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology psychosocial care and research (2005–2015) was driven by a normative, developmental framework that assumed a generalizable life experience for AYAs that is distinct from both younger children and older adults. As we proceed through a second decade, new considerations emerge regarding diversity of life experiences as occurring within and influenced by a complex global context. The purpose of this paper is to review and provide commentary on the impact of global and contextual conditions on AYAs. We expound upon the effects of precarious labor conditions, changing timetables and priorities for developmental tasks, sexual and gender plurality, and expanding cultural diversity. We discuss the implications of social genomics and technology and social media for enhancing precision psychosocial medicine. To build a forward‐looking approach, this paper calls for tailored, multilevel treatments that consider variability of AYAs within the social and global contexts in which they live.

Technology-Assisted Psychosocial Interventions for Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Finally, both demographic diversity among AYA cancer survivors and technology, information, and social media use in the lives of AYAs have been flagged as key components in developing a forward-looking approach to AYA psychooncology care. 15 Therefore, the diversity among users and the plurality of contexts in which technologies are used must be critically incorporated into future studies about and implementation of technology-assisted psychosocial interventions for AYA cancer survivors. Innovative research approaches and clinical implementation strategies must account for health disparities associated with digital exclusion or ''usage access gaps'' that AYAs may face.…”

“…8,9 Indeed, studies have reported that over 60% of childhood and AYA cancer survivors experience adverse psychosocial, behavioral, and functional health outcomes that compromise their HRQoL for many years after completion of cancer treatment. 10 Key challenges affecting survivors' HRQoL include the following: (1) distressing experiences during active invasive cancer treatment (e.g., fear, pain, and nausea) 11,12 ; (2) psychosocial and emotional challenges both during and after treatment, including psychological distress, fear of recurrence, infertility, and reproductive/sexual health challenges [13][14][15] ; (3) limited knowledge about and engagement in survivorship care [16][17][18] ; and (4) impaired physical and functional health due to adverse and late effects of cancer treatment. [19][20][21] If left unaddressed, these challenges have been found to be associated with childhood and AYA cancer survivors' disengagement from survivorship care, reduced self-efficacy, increased risk health behaviors, including suicide, and compromised HRQoL.…”

Besonderheiten und Herausforderungen junger Krebsüberlebender

“…Generell können die sozialen Beziehungen der AYA mit Krebs durch Prioritätenverschiebung, kommunikative Barrieren und dem Wunsch, andere nicht zu belasten, bei gleichzeitigem Gefühl, nicht verstandenzuwerden,negativ beeinflusst werden [26]. [14,20,28]. Am stärksten ist der ungedeckte Bedarf an Hilfe und Beratung mit einer langfristig verminderten Lebensqualität verbunden.…”

Beyond Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Care: Care Experiences of Patients Aged 25–39 Years Old in the UK National Health Service

“…Although this message of distinction has brought international attention and action, critics have suggested that it fails to appreciate the heterogeneity of AYAs and differences in experience depending on context [7,8]. The 15e39 year age range encompasses a spectrum of life stages, meaning the experiences of patients can vary extensively [9,10].…”