title: The experiences of teenagers and young adults with cancer--results of 2004 conference survey.
abstract: In 2004, 350 teenagers and young adults (TYAs) attended the third Find Your Sense of Tumour Conference for cancer patients. This provided a unique opportunity to survey a large group of patients regarding their cancer experience. Analysis of the results showed that delegates had both positive and negative experiences of the cancer journey and had clear views regarding service provision. The survey showed that the majority of TYAs with or who have had cancer would like to be treated on a specialist unit. There are currently 7 Teenage and Young Adult Units developed by Teenage Cancer Trust within the UK; however, a large number of patients do not have access to these specialist services. Despite the increased attention to TYA health needs there are still a number of issues relating to cancer services that need addressing as a matter of urgency in order to ensure that future patients receive a timely diagnosis, together with appropriate care that meets the specific needs of this unique client group.
authors.affiliation: Teenage Cancer Trust--Young Oncology Unit, Christie Hospital, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 3BX, UK. sam.smith@christie-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: Myrna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Whiteson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000298:Adolescent, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010379:Peer Group; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology