Aim: To conduct a literature review of survivorship issues and programs in young adult cancer survivors aged 25-40 years; and to identify gaps in service provision.
Method: A literature search using various databases was conducted to identify needs research and program evaluative studies targeting survivors in the identified age group. Search terms included : young adult; childhood; adolescent; survivor; psychosocial needs; health needs; intervention; program.
Results: A number of studies assessing the needs of young adult cancer survivors were found. These included both personal needs (information, managing emotions, communication strategies, self concept issues and worldview) and social needs (workplace discrimination, financial planning, legal issues, patient rights and altruistic motivations). Poorer outcomes were noted in this age group compared to both age matched controls and older cancer survivors. Overall, survivors reported a need for age-appropriate interventions targeting the psychosocial needs outlined above. Delivery of these interventions should also cover as many modalities as possible to cater for variance in service delivery preferences. Interventions addressing these needs and outcomes were scant, indicating a gap in survivorship service provision for those aged 25-40 years.
Conclusions and recommendations: The literature showed a need for age-appropriate resources and supports. In addition, interventions targeted at this population are lacking, representing a gap in current service provision. Cancer Council NSW has a range of current services that could be either modified to meet the needs of this population, are age-restricted in some incarnations, and/or are promoted in a way that will reach the target audience. The current pilots include Living Well After Cancer program, ENRICH - exercise and nutrition routine and a half day Art Therapy workshop based on The Creative Journey developed at New York's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre.