Adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with or beyond cancer have unique needs and perspectives that clinicians should be aware of when providing health care. practical articles CMJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.260027 We provide easy-to-reference guidance on how to support this demographic of people aged 15 to 39.
- Disrupted Milestones – As cancer disrupts the life milestones of adolescents and young adults, clinicians must strive to address their unique needs and the impact of disruption at different stages of development. This should include addressing topics such as fertility, sexual health, and advance care planning.
- Mental Health Impact – Cancer has a mental health impact on all patients. Adolescents and young adults are particularly at risk for anxiety and depression, so clinicians should regularly screen for mental health issues and support patients with counseling, referrals, and appropriate medications as needed.
- Patient-centered language – Avoid language that could minimize the impact of a cancer diagnosis and use patient-preferred terminology.
- Post-treatment support – Most AYAs survive 50 to 60 years after initial treatment, so continued follow-up according to guidelines in collaboration with a specialist is necessary. Patients may experience long-term physical effects, including the possibility of cancer recurrence.
- Intersectional identities – Adolescents and young adults have a variety of identities across ages, and clinicians should ask about preferred names, pronouns, and other aspects of identity.
Adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer are overcoming much more than just receiving a diagnosis. They are often facing major life transitions at the same time. Clinicians can make a meaningful difference by providing care that addresses each patient’s unique needs, priorities, and identities and is developmentally appropriate. In this article, we explore practical ways in which clinicians can do this, based on our personal and professional real-life experiences. ”
Dr. Perry Tutelman, co-author, Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
sauce:
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Reference magazines:
Hessel, M. others. (2026). Adolescents and young adults living with and beyond cancer. Journal of the Canadian Medical Association. DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.260027. https://www.cmaj.ca/content/198/24/E944
