Models of Cancer Survivorship Care for Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

Objectives: To review the literature on adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology, discuss survivorship models of care, and focus on the unique needs of AYA patients with transition of care from treatment to survivorship.

Data sources: Peer-reviewed literature, workshop summaries, clinical practice guidelines.

Conclusion: Advancements have been made for AYAs with regard to identifying risk factors from cancer treatment and the need for ongoing follow-up care. Survivors face several unique care transitions. Several models of survivorship care are available for AYAs.

Implications for nursing practice: The responsibilities of survivorship care for AYA patients fall on clinical providers, researchers, the government, advocacy groups as well as the survivors and families themselves. Nurses must remain cognizant and educated on AYA survivorship issues.

Keywords: AYA; Adolescent and young adult; cancer survivorship; oncology nursing; transition of care.