Adolescent and Young Adult Concerns

Abstract

There has been an increasing effort to address the unique needs of patients between the ages of 15 and 39 diagnosed with cancer who often feel isolated between the worlds of pediatric and adult oncology. This group of individuals is now identified in clinical trials and in clinical care as the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population. Historically, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has been applied selectively to younger, healthier patients, and hematologic malignancies are among the most common cancers of the AYA population. Therefore, attention to their age-specific needs constitutes quality care. Each domain of AYA cancer care should be approached with the patient’s age and developmental status in mind. An ideal AYA team consists of medical providers, nurse specialists, social workers, vocational counselors, fertility experts, geneticists, physical and occupational therapists, and community-based services with peer support.