Adolescents And Young Adults With Cancer Research Articles

"The Most Important Thing is That You Are Not Left Alone"-A Qualitative Study of Challenges and Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer.

Purpose: We aimed to gain in-depth insights into the challenges and needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) throughout their disease to detect increased needs for support. Methods: We conducted face-to-face interviews with 15 patients 18-39 years old at the time of diagnosis of malignancies who had completed treatment at the time of the interview. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The unexpected diagnosis of a serious illness shocked the participants, especially since many were in a life phase of transition at that time and had little knowledge about cancer and its therapy. They reported feelings of helplessness, unfairness, and insecurity triggered by side effects, divergent information from health care professionals (HCPs), or lack of information. After the end of the therapy, many AYAs were challenged by prolonged changes in their lives since they gained strength from the hope of returning to "the life before." The primary needs were social and psychological support, connecting with peers, orientation, and guidance. Conclusion: AYAs face special challenges requiring support and guidance from HCPs that should extend beyond the end of the therapy. There is a need for exchange opportunities with other AYAs. Trial Registration Number: DRKS00030277 (German Clinical Trials Register); September 27, 2022.

Racialized inequities in live birth after cancer: A population-based study of 63,000 female adolescents and young adults with cancer.

Fertility after cancer is a top concern for adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) (15-39 years old at diagnosis). The authors characterized live births after cancer by race and ethnicity ("race/ethnicity") in a population-based sample of female AYAs. This study used Texas Cancer Registry data linked to birth certificates (1995-2016) to estimate cumulative incidence of live birth, based on first live birth after cancer, and compared differences by race/ethnicity. Proportional subdistribution hazards models were used to estimate associations between race/ethnicity and live birth, adjusted for diagnosis age, cancer type, stage, year, and prior live birth, overall and for each cancer type. Among 65,804 AYAs, 10-year cumulative incidence of live birth was lower among non-Hispanic Black AYAs than other racial/ethnic groups: 10.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.4-10.9) compared to 15.9% (95% CI, 14.1-17.9) among Asian or Pacific Islander, 14.7% (95% CI, 14.2-15.3) among Hispanic, and 15.2% (95% CI, 14.8-15.6) among non-Hispanic White AYAs (p<.01). In the adjusted overall model, Black AYAs were less likely to have a live birth after cancer than all other groups. In adjusted models for each cancer type, live birth was significantly less likely for Black AYAs with gynecologic cancers or lymphomas (compared to White AYAs) or thyroid cancers (compared to Hispanic AYAs). Black AYAs are less likely than AYAs of other races/ethnicities to have a live birth after cancer, in contrast to patterns of live birth in the general population. Research and action to promote childbearing equity after cancer are imperative.

Facing life-threat during youth: a qualitative study on challenges, coping, and needs among adolescents and young adults with cancer

PurposeWhile the unique situation of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) has become the focus of research and clinical practice, little is known about how they deal with the threat to life at a curative stage. The aim of this study was to obtain insight into the challenges, coping strategies, and needs of AYAs regarding the life-threatening nature of their diseases.MethodsFace-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with patients who were 18–39 years old at diagnosis. The interviews took place 2–5 years after their diagnosis. Patients who were still undergoing treatment or who were suspected of recurrence were excluded. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsFifteen patients (mean age 27.33 years, nine females) were interviewed in a large comprehensive cancer center in Germany. Before diagnosis, AYAs had not faced their own mortality and had little experience with cancer. The sudden confrontation with a life-threatening disease and therapy, as well as experiencing the death of other AYAs, challenged them. Fear, particularly regarding recurrence and death, and the loss of trust in their own bodies were the major emotions that continued to limit them even after the end of treatment. For mothers, concern of leaving their young children alone was paramount. Coping strategies frequently mentioned were hope, avoidance, self-soothing, and valuing the experience as a chance. Health care professionals were expected to be reassuring, motivating, and open and to provide honest information based on individual and current needs.ConclusionAYAs appear to cope with life-threats similarly to older patients but have additional unique challenges, including inexperience with life-threatening diseases and responsibility for young children. More research is needed in this area, although it is already evident that AYAs need honest and reassuring communication regarding the life-threat during any curable phases of their disease.Trial registration number DRKS00030277; September 27, 2022 (German Clinical Trials Register).

Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer and the Desire for Parenthood-A Legal View from a Swiss Perspective in Consideration of the Relevance of Cancer Support Organizations.

This commentary focuses on the challenges and possibilities that adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) desiring parenthood face under Swiss law. The regulation of reproductive medicine procedures is stricter in Switzerland than in some other countries. Health insurance is compulsory, but the interventions that are covered are in constant flux. Recent changes pertain to the possibilities of future AYA parenthood and keeping up to date with practical and legal ramifications is taxing even for health professionals. AYA facing treatment decisions are uniquely vulnerable and dependent on comprehensive, clear, current, and country-specific information regarding risks and options pertaining to their fertility. This commentary provides a short overview of the Swiss legal framework related to reproductive medicine, highlighting its access restrictions and prohibitions, as well as recent changes. While the importance of patient, peer, caregiver, and interest groups supporting people affected by health conditions has long been recognized in many countries, an AYA organization was only recently established in Switzerland. Such organizations are vital for providing accurate, country-specific information and support, while individualized medical guidance, informed by the most current legal framework and its consequences, remains essential in addressing AYAs' specific needs in connection with the desire to have children.

Tablet Versus Quick Response Code: Difference in Research Participation Rates?

Conducting research with immunocompromised populations, especially within the context of a global pandemic, warrants consideration of alternative research methods and modes of administration to keep participants safe. Digital and internet-based research methods have been utilized to minimize the risk of harm with cancer patients; however, adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) remain an under served and understudied population with high levels of unmet needs. The purpose of the current study was to examine differences in AYA research participation rates based on two digital survey administration methods (tablet versus QR code). AYAs were randomly assigned to complete an online survey using either a tablet or quick response (QR) code, and participation rates in each group were compared. The total participation rate was 22.9%, with 75% of completed surveys from the tablet group and 25% from the QR code group. While the use of a QR code allows for reduced costs for in-clinic recruitment and may be the most sanitary option during COVID-19, eligible patients in the current study showed trends of increased engagement using a sanitized tablet. It is important to consider how psychosocial research and electronic surveys are administered, as the method may impact recruitment and/or information obtained.

Exploring Depressive Symptoms and Cancer Worries in a High-Volume Cancer Genetics Clinic: What Are the Roles of Age and Cancer Diagnosis?

Limited research has explored depression and cancer worries (CWs) among adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) seeking genetic counseling. This study evaluated depressive symptoms and CWs among five groups: AYAs, adolescents and young adults without cancer (AYAWOCs), older adults with cancer (OAs), older adults without cancer (OAWOCs), and older adults diagnosed with cancer in their adolescent and young adult years (OA/AYAs). A retrospective data analysis was performed on 6524 patients, which found that AYAs reported significantly higher depressive symptoms and CWs compared with all other groups except OA/AYAs. These findings suggest that the intersection between age and cancer diagnosis is related to depressive symptoms and CWs.

Associations between diagnostic time intervals and health-related quality of life, clinical anxiety and depression in adolescents and young adults with cancer: cross-sectional analysis of the BRIGHTLIGHT cohort

BackgroundThe association of diagnostic intervals and outcomes is poorly understood in adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA). We investigated associations between diagnostic intervals and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression in a large AYA cohort.MethodsParticipants aged 12–24 completed interviews post-diagnosis, providing data on diagnostic experiences and the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) HRQoL, anxiety and depression. Demographic and cancer information were obtained from clinical and national records. Six diagnostic intervals were considered. Relationships between intervals and PROs were examined using regression models.ResultsEight hundred and thirty participants completed interviews. In adjusted models, across 28 of 30 associations, longer intervals were associated with poorer PROs. Patient intervals (symptom onset to first seeing a GP) of ≥1 month were associated with greater depression (adjusted odds ratio (aOR):1.7, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.1–2.5) compared to <1 month. ≥3 pre-referral GP consultations were associated with greater anxiety (aOR:1.6, CI:1.1–2.3) compared to 1–2 consultations. Symptom onset to first oncology appointment intervals of ≥2 months was associated with impaired HRQoL (aOR:1.8, CI:1.2–2.5) compared to <2 months.ConclusionsProlonged diagnostic intervals in AYA are associated with an increased risk of impaired HRQoL, anxiety and depression. Identifying and delivering interventions for this high-risk group is a priority.

Documentation of Oncofertility Communication in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Increasing numbers of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYACs) are surviving long term, highlighting the importance of effective oncofertility communication. We undertook this study to understand documentation of fertility discussions with AYACs, what options are offered, and how this differs for AYACs on treatment compared with those post-treatment. Methods: We reviewed the documentation of fertility discussions with 122 AYACs treated between 2000 and 2020: 72 AYACs on treatment and 50 AYACs at least 3 years post-treatment ("late effects" cohort). Results: Diagnoses were split evenly between hematological and solid tumor diagnoses, and biological sex. Seventy-five percent of patients were diagnosed and treated by the AYAC team and 25% by the pediatric team. Median age at diagnosis was 19 years (range 4-24) for on-treatment patients and 16 years (range 3-25) for late effects patients. Fertility was discussed with 93% of on-treatment patients and 48% of late effects patients. Seventy-nine percent of on-treatment patients and 48% of late effects patients pursued a pre-treatment fertility preservation option. Post-treatment, 84% of late effects patients had a discussion and 57% pursued an option. Only four patients across both cohorts underwent oocyte or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Those referred to specialist reproductive medicine clinics had more detailed documentation about fertility discussions. Nurse-led late effects clinics had a key role in facilitating post-treatment discussions. Conclusions: It is important to communicate oncofertility options to AYACs repeatedly throughout treatment. Referral to specialist oncofertility services and adequate information for both sexes is important pre-treatment, and can be facilitated post-treatment by a late effects service.

Cancer-Related Decision-Making Among Adolescents, Young Adults, Caregivers, and Oncology Providers.

Decision-making among adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) is often complex, ongoing, and multifaceted, involving caregiver and oncology provider perspectives. Engagement in decision-making against the backdrop of normative developmental processes of acquiring autonomy and gaining independence contributes to the complexity of decision-making. Semi-structured qualitative interviews from 11 AYA and caregiver dyads and eight oncology providers examined decision-making processes with specific attention to the role of shared decision-making, cognitive and emotional processes, and coping with the decision-making experience. Five decision-making patterns were identified, with collaborative decision-making and AYA-driven decisions most commonly described. Utilizing hypothesis coding, AYA and caregivers explained how cognitive (i.e., pros/cons) and emotional (i.e., shock and fear of missing out) processes influenced cancer-related decisions. Coping strategies provided clarity and respite when engaged in decision-making. Our findings illuminate important implications for how to best support decision-making among AYA and caregivers, including the role oncology providers can play during decision-making.

Clinician-patient-family decision-making and health literacy in adolescents and young adults with cancer and their families: A systematic review of qualitative studies.

Engaging in shared decision-making may be particularly difficult for adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs), possibly because of lower levels of health literacy. Family members of AYAs are likely to support decision-making about their healthcare by contributing to health literacy skills/practices; however, the nature of this process is unclear. This systematic review synthesized qualitative studies that explored the process of decision-making and characterized how AYA healthcare information is shared, from the perspective of the AYA and their family members. Electronic searches of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were conducted in May 2018. Peer-reviewed studies discussing the decision-making process in AYAs and/or their families were eligible for inclusion. Findings were analyzed thematically using Framework analysis. Seven thousand two hundred seventy-three studies were screened, and 14 eligible studies were included. The synthesized themes aligned with the Supported Health Literacy Pathway model3 in that AYAs draw on their family members' knowledge, skills, and practices to generate informed options and make shared decisions. Families of AYAs were found to be involved throughout all stages of decision-making. The use of health literacy skills was also found to be distributed in families, such that family members of AYAs mediate access to knowledge and use of health information in the decision-making process. Our findings suggest that health literacy is a dynamic and transactional process and provide clinicians, researchers, and other stakeholders with a framework to foster AYA engagement in decision-making.

A Systematic Review of Professionals' Experiences of Discussing Fertility Issues with Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer.

Impaired fertility is one potential late effect of cancer, with 15% of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAC) at a high risk. Guidelines state that fertility advice should be available at diagnosis; however, research shows that this is not routinely provided. This can negatively affect patients' emotional well-being, mental health, and satisfaction with care. This review aimed to synthesize and critically evaluate studies investigating professionals' experiences of discussing fertility issues with AYAC patients and to understand the barriers and facilitating factors to having these conversations with this specific age group. Peer-reviewed qualitative and quantitative studies were identified by systematically searching eight databases. Fifteen articles reporting from 14 studies were included in the review. Participants reported patient, parent, professional, and institutional factors that influenced fertility discussions. The most commonly reported barriers were the lack of patient educational materials and staff training. Participants were more likely to discuss fertility with patients who were male; had less severe disease; and raised the issue of fertility themselves. The findings suggest that professionals' own values and opinions influence the likelihood of fertility being discussed, with implications for guidance and training. Further, institutional barriers lead to a lack of consistent provision for patients both nationally and internationally. A paucity of research looking solely at AYA populations was noted. A need for research comparing the experiences of different professional groups and exploring the extent to which reported barriers impact on fertility discussions was highlighted. There is also a need for higher-quality qualitative research adopting stronger methodology.

Cancer!? I Don't Have Time for That: Impact of a Psychosocial Intervention for Young Adults with Cancer.

Young adult oncology has gained momentum in recognizing the unique medical and psychosocial needs of the population of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAC). However, many of their psychosocial needs remain unmet and we are yet to identify how clinical or research programs can be tailored to meet these needs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a cognitive-behavioral intervention adapted to meet the psychosocial needs and issues of AYAC and delivered either through Skype or face-to-face sessions against a control condition. A total of 113 AYAC aged between 18 and 39 years were randomly assigned to a brief three-session intervention or control/care-as-usual group. They were then assessed at three time points of baseline (time 1), post (time 2), and 3-month postintervention (time 3) using self-report questionnaires targeting overall outcomes of mood/emotional well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and specific outcomes of illness-related self-efficacy and family/social and sexual relationship well-being. Significant between-group differences were obtained from time 1 to time 2 on outcomes of social/family and sexual relationship well-being, whereas groups did not differ from time 2 to time 3. Within-group results from time 1 to time 2 showed significant improvements in sexual esteem for both groups, whereas only AYAC of the intervention group significantly improved on outcomes of anxiety, overall mood/emotional well-being and HRQOL. In addition, improvements in self-efficacy were obtained only for the intervention group from time 2 to time 3. When compared with a control/care-as-usual condition, the intervention had a positive impact on psychological and relationship well-being. Results suggested that the intervention was beneficial and clinically relevant to the population of AYAC.

Cancer-related fatigue in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review of the literature.

Twelve articles were included. CRF was found to be higher in AYA than in either of the comparison groups, healthy peers and older cancer patients. Most included studies did not measure CRF with multidimensional, fatigue-specific instruments. We found a gap in research concerning CRF in AYA. The existing findings suggest that CRF is a significant issue for AYA cancer patients. However, less is known about the prevalence, severity, and impact of CRF in AYA, and their treatment. This should be considered in future research, and risk and prevention factors should be ascertained. Multidimensional and fatigue-specific measuring tools should be used to do this.

Enrolment of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAWC) to clinical trials at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).

e18043 Background: Five-year survival among AYAWC has seen less improvement than in other age groups. One hypothesized reason is low accrual to clinical trials, for which the reasons need further determination. Our objectives were to determine the enrolment of AYAWC on treatment clinical trials at CHEO, a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Ottawa, Canada and to determine barriers to enrolment of AYAWC compared to younger patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed at CHEO over 10 years from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015 was performed. AYAWC included 15-18 year olds, and younger patients included 0-14 year olds. Patients 18 years and older are treated at adult centers. The number of patients enrolled on an upfront treatment clinical trial was collected while those not enrolled were reviewed for documented non-enrolment reasons. Clinical trials available at CHEO during this time period were also recorded. Results: A total of 733 patients were diagnosed with 96 AYAWC and 637 younger patients. The proportion of patients enrolled on clinical trials was 19.8% (19) AYAWC and 27.3% (174) younger patients (p = 0.12). Trials were not available for 57.3% (55) of AYAWC and 53.7% (342) of younger patients for their disease type (p = 0.51). For the remaining 41 AYAWC, 46.3% were enrolled. For AYAWC not enrolled, 40.9% had a reason documented: for 22.2% a physician felt it was not in the patient’s best interest, 44.4% did not meet eligibility, 33.3% of families/patients declined. For the remaining 295 of younger patients that had trials available, 59% enrolled on a trial. For younger patients not enrolled, 25.6% had another reason documented: for 25.8% a physician felt it was not in the patient’s best interest, 45.2% did not meet trial eligibility, 25.8% of families/patients declined, 3.2% other reason. Conclusions: There were fewer AYAWC enrolled on trials compared to younger children. There were not fewer trials available for AYAWC patients than younger children. For patients not enrolled, the majority did not have an open trial available and otherwise, reasons for non-enrolment did not differ significantly between groups. Next steps could include data from local adult centers.

Development of a preliminary model of connectedness with healthcare providers for adolescents and young adults with cancer.

92 Background: Adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) have poorer outcomes than younger or older cancer patients. AYA survivorship outcomes are complicated by psychosocial late effects and engagement in risky lifestyle behaviors that may increase secondary cancers and other chronic illnesses. Earlier identification and enhancement of protective factors that foster healthy lifestyle behaviors is an NIH/NCI priority. Early connectedness with healthcare providers (HCPs) may diminish risk-taking behaviors and foster healthcare self-management in AYA survivors .The purpose of this presentation is to describe the processes of developing a preliminary model of connectedness with HCPs for AYA. Methods: A preliminary model of connectedness was initially derived from a concept analysis that systematically critiqued 28 peer-reviewed sources. The preliminary model of connectedness was then validated and expanded by results of a phenomenological study of AYA cancer survivors (n = 9) regarding their experience of connectedness with HCPs. Results: The concept analysis identified 7 critical attributes of connectedness: intimacy, belonging, empathy, caring, trust, respect, and reciprocity. Outcomes included: greater self-esteem, enhanced interpersonal skills, enhanced emotional adjustment, and greater identify exploration. Results of the phenomenological study uncovered two additional attributes of connectedness specific to AYA experiences of connecting with HCPs: a sense of gratitude and disconnectedness. The disconnectedness attribute indicated there are processes that can occur that either lead to an outcomes of sustained connectedness or disconnectedness. If AYA felt more connected (vs. disconnected) to their HCPs as a whole, then they continued to engage in long-term follow-up. On the other hand, if AYA felt more disconnected to their HCPs, it led to unwillingness to participate in long-term follow-up. Conclusions: A preliminary model of connectedness with HCPs for AYA was derived from two studies. This model can be used to help guide the development of interventions aimed at enhancing early connectedness and fostering long-term follow-up practices of AYA.

The Clinician's Toolbox: Assessing the Sexual Impacts of Cancer on Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer (AYAC).

IntroductionAdolescents and young adults aged 15–39 years who have been diagnosed with cancer (AYAC) have unique medical and psychosocial needs. Following their cancer treatments, AYAC must learn to manage the sometimes irreversible general side effects of cancer treatments including side effects that impact their sexuality. These side effects include but are not limited to: infertility, altered body/physical appearance, and sexual dysfunction. Such effects may hinder AYAC efforts to date and experiment sexually, limiting sexual maturation and confidence, as well as the formation or maintenance of meaningful couple and sexual relationships. It is clear that we need to tailor our clinical approaches to ensure that we assess the unique needs and concerns faced by AYAC.AimsBased on consistent study findings substantiating the distinctive needs of AYAC, the main objective of this article is to present the core clinical components involved in assessing sexuality among AYAC.MethodsThe clinical recommendations are based on the authors and experts' clinical experiences coupled with a thorough examination of the literature related to AYAC sexuality.Main Outcome MeasuresThis article first describes the three components (clinical interview, review of chart notes, and self-report questionnaires) of a sexuality assessment and the seven core domains that highlight target areas of focus.ResultsA detailed outline of each of the core domains of assessment (socio-demographics; medical history; fertility and sexually transmitted infection; sexual functioning; sexual coping style; body and self-image; and sexual history and dating/couple experience) is presented. A “toolbox” table containing useful resources for clinicians (e.g., questionnaires and red flags) and direct resources for AYAC patients are included.ConclusionCancer can have a significant impact on numerous domains of AYAC sexuality. The assessment of and attention to the impact of sexuality on AYAC is crucial in order to provide effective and comprehensive quality patient cancer care.

Sexuality and romantic relationships in young adult cancer survivors: satisfaction and supportive care needs.

In recent years, psycho-oncology has focused more and more on adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA). Many studies have concentrated on fertility issues in AYAs, but romantic relationships and sexuality have only been researched to a limited extent. This cross-sectional study examined AYAs' quality of relationships and sexuality satisfaction thereby identifying sex differences. Ninety-nine cancer patients (N = 33 males) diagnosed between 15 and 39 years who were in a romantic relationship at the time of the survey completed questionnaires on their relationship (Partnership Questionnaire), sexuality (Life Satisfaction Questionnaire), and sexuality needs (Supportive Care Needs Survey). Test for mean differences and regression analyses to determine associated variables were performed. Seventy-six percent of AYAs (N = 75) rated their relationship quality as high. About 64% of patients reported having less sexual intercourse since diagnosis, more women than men (72% vs. 45%; p = .011). The need for support was strongest for changes in sexual feelings (N = 38; 38.3%). Duration of relationship (β = -0.224), being on sick leave (β = 0.325), and satisfaction with sexuality (β = 0.409) were associated with satisfaction with relationship (R(2) = 0.256). Satisfaction with sexuality (R(2) = 0.344) was regressed on physical function (β = 0.419), satisfaction with relationship (β = 0.428), and male gender (β = -0.175). Sexuality need (R(2) = 0.436) was associated with fatigue (β = 0.232) and satisfaction with sexuality (β = -0.522). Although they reported high satisfaction with their relationships, AYA patients experienced sexual problems and need support with sexual issues. As a substantial proportion of patients felt stressed because of sexual changes, communication and interventions addressing post-cancer sexuality, particularly in women, are indicated.

Accrual of adolescents and young adults with cancer to eligible clinical trials: A report from the NCIC Clinical Trials Group (NCIC-CTG).

6543 Background: Improvement in 5-year survival among adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAWC) has not kept pace with gains made in other age groups. Further, in the United States, 40-70% o...

Gender-specific quality of life after cancer in young adulthood: a comparison with the general population

Over the last years, adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) have moved strongly into scientific focus. However, there have only been a few studies about the quality of life of the AYA group, and gender differences have very rarely been examined. A cross-sectional study was conducted with young adult cancer patients who were aged 18-39 years at the time of survey and had completed their acute treatment. We used the quality of life questionnaire European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). The EORTC QLQ-C30 contains five function scales (physical, role, emotional, cognitive and social), nine symptom scales and a global quality of life scale. The patient sample was compared to a gender- and age-matched representative sample (REP). Compared to the general population (N = 585), significantly poorer quality of life (p = .001) was observed for the 117 young cancer patients (40 male, 77 female) on all scales and items of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Analyses of variance with the factors group (AYA vs. REP) and gender showed interaction effects for the physical (p < .012), emotional (p < .029) and cognitive function scales (p < .008) and fatigue (p < .026) as well as for the items insomnia (p < .011), constipation (p < .037) and financial difficulties (p < .026). The pattern of the interaction was that female cancer patients reported the lowest quality of life outcomes. The same effects were found for the three calculated sum scales function, symptom and total. Results clearly indicate that young adult cancer patients have a reduced quality of life in comparison with the general population even long after the treatment of their disease is complete. Women had a lower quality of life than men. Age-specific interventions should be offered that lead to improvements in quality of life for this age group. And future studies should clarify what factors lead to women's quality of life being worse than men's.

Music’s relevance for adolescents and young adults with cancer: a constructivist research approach

Music is one of the most widely used activities amongst young people, significant in personal and group identity, motivation, physical release, and emotional support. Adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) require specialized care because of intensified challenges related to developmental vulnerability, treatment toxicity effects, and slower improvements in survival rates compared to other age groups. To advance effective supportive care for AYA, understanding their thoughts about music is necessary. This study examines AYAs' perspectives about music's role in their lives. A constructivist research approach with grounded theory design was applied. Twelve people, 15 to 25years old, known to onTrac@PeterMac Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service, participated. Respondents completed a brief music demographic questionnaire and participated in a semi-structured interview. Qualitative inter-rater reliability was integrated. Participants mostly reported music's calming, supportive, and relaxing effects, which alleviated hardship associated with their cancer diagnoses. Themes encompassed: music backgrounds, changed "musicking", endurance and adjustment, time with music therapists, and wisdom. Music provided supportive messages, enabled personal and shared understandings about cancer's effects, and elicited helpful physical, emotional, and imagery states. Music therapy could also promote normalized and supportive connections with others. A musician, however, struggled to get music "back" post-treatment. Supportive music-based strategies were recommended for other AYA and their health care providers. Music can signify and creatively enable AYAs' hope, endurance, identity development, and adjustment through cancer treatment and post-treatment phases. Health professionals are encouraged to support AYAs' music-based self-care and "normalized" activities.