"Cancer sucks," and other ponderings by adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

J Psychosoc Oncol. 2014;32(1):1-15. doi: 10.1080/07347332.2013.855959.

Abstract

As part of the National Cancer Institute's AYA HOPE study, 296 adolescent and young adults (AYAs) completed an open-ended survey item asking them to describe their medical care or experience with cancer. Patient, provider, and system-level characteristics all appear to influence AYAs' perceptions of their medical care. Participants attributed levels of satisfaction with care to the availability and communication of information, the management of side-effects, and the expediency and flexibility of treatments. Struggles with health insurance and finances were evident. Findings contribute to a better understanding of AYAs' cancer treatment experiences and will inform improvements to oncology care for this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Qualitative Research
  • Survivors / psychology*
  • Survivors / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult