Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients' Supportive Care Needs-A Social Work Perspective

Cancer is a disease of the elderly (more than sixty years), and as a result, cancer care is focused on this age group. However, some individuals develop cancer earlier in life, and many challenges are faced. Does the care system meet the needs of individuals who were treated for cancer at a relatively young age (between eighteen and thirty-nine years)? Semi-structured interviews with Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) were conducted within two years after their cancer diagnosis. The biopsychosocial model was used as the underlying theoretical framework. We found that all respondents struggled with the rehabilitation and 'post cancer' phase and the impact of the treatment on their physical, sexual and psychological well-being. The biopsychosocial model is recommended to be used as a framework to distinguish the various issues that should be discussed with these young cancer patients. The model can serve as a tool to better meet their needs throughout the 'cancer journey' from diagnosis till many years after the final treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify (unmet) needs from a social work perspective of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs; aged eighteen to thirty-nine years) treated for cancer. The biopsychosocial model was used as framework to investigate the (unmet) needs of the AYAs. AYAs within two years after their cancer diagnosis were invited to participate in an interview. In addition, case studies were presented. Nine AYAs agreed to participate in the interviews. All respondents struggled with the rehabilitation and 'post cancer' phase and the impact of the treatment on their physical, sexual and psychological well-being. AYAs with an active desire to have children mentioned lack of information about the options of fertility preservation. The respondents would recommend psychosocial support for their peer AYAs, despite the absence of a need themselves. Themes such as lack of control, social economic (financial) status and existential issues were less prominent. Social workers should standardly be involved in the hospitals' care path throughout the disease continuum: starting at diagnosis, continuing throughout treatment, and importantly, also in the rehabilitation phase and end-of-life care. The biopsychosocial model can serve as a tool to support the social worker in the counselling of these AYAs.