Abstract
PurposeDigital technology has the potential to support teenagers and young adults (TYAs) with cancer from the onset of their disease into survivorship. We aimed to establish (1) the current pattern of use of TYA digital technologies within our service-user population, and (2) their preferences regarding digital information and support within the service.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered as a paper and online self-completed questionnaire to TYAs aged 13–24 accessing outpatient, inpatient, and day care cancer services at a regional specialist centre over a 4-week period.ResultsOne hundred two TYAs completed the survey (55.7% male; 39.8% female; 83.3% paper; 16.7% online; mean age 18.5 years [SD = 3.51]). Of the TYAs, 41.6% rated the importance of digital communication as “essential” to their lives. Half (51.0%) kept in contact with other patients they had met during treatment, and 12.0% contacted patients they had not met in person. Respondents wanted to receive clinical information online (66.3%) and use online chat rooms (54.3%). Future online services desired included virtual online groups (54.3%), online counselling or psychological support (43.5%), and receiving (66.3%) and sharing (48.9%) clinical information online.ConclusionsYoung people with cancer are digital natives. A significant subgroup expressed a desire for digital resources from oncology services, though existing resources are also highly valued. Digital resources have potential to improve patient experience and engagement.Implications for cancer survivorsThere is considerable scope to develop digital resources with which TYAs can receive information and connect with both professionals and fellow patients, following diagnosis, through treatment and survivorship.
Highlights
TYA cancer patients and survivorshipEach year, there are approximately 2300 new cases of cancer in teenagers and young adults (TYA) aged 15–J Cancer Surviv (2017) 11:670–682 years in the UK
Of the TYAs, 41.6% rated the importance of digital communication as Bessential^ to their lives
We chose the lower age limit of 13–24, which is accepted by the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT), UK, and reflects the national clinical services providing treatment, support, and guidance to TYAs with cancer in the UK, and the age range treated within University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service (TYACS) [31]
Summary
TYA cancer patients and survivorshipEach year, there are approximately 2300 new cases of cancer in teenagers and young adults (TYA) aged 15–J Cancer Surviv (2017) 11:670–682 years in the UK. TYAs are likely to need tailored psychosocial support to address survivorship issues, and patient empowerment is recognized as important in optimizing their ability to cope with survivorship [10, 11]. Such issues include negative body image, fear of disease recurrence, and facing loss of fertility [10]. Young people with cancer are susceptible to psychological difficulties such as stress, anxiety, depression [10, 12, 13], and suicidal behaviour [14], in the first year after diagnosis [15], but with risk remaining elevated even in long-term survivors [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
