Supporting Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: Oncology Provider Perceptions of Adolescent and Young Adult Unmet Needs

J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2017 Dec;6(4):519-523. doi: 10.1089/jayao.2017.0011. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

Abstract

Few studies have assessed oncology providers' perceptions of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients' unmet needs. In this statewide survey (N = 91), we found that most providers recognize the financial, insurance, and late effects needs of their AYA cancer patients. However, employment, education, behavioral health, sexuality, and social and family issues were endorsed by less than half of providers as areas where AYAs needed assistance. Few providers felt that their AYA cancer patients had unmet needs for these same concerns. Educational efforts are needed to improve providers' awareness of the impact of cancer for AYA cancer patients.

Keywords: health service needs; oncology providers; supportive service needs.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment / trends*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Oncologists / standards*
  • Young Adult