title: The unmet needs of emerging adults with a cancer diagnosis: a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Emerging adulthood is the life stage between adolescence and young adulthood, and it has been associated with several important developmental milestones. A cancer diagnosis has the potential to disrupt the normal achievement of these milestones. Many psychosocial themes relevant to emerging adults living with cancer have been identified, but there has been only limited research into the needs of this group.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study seeks to contribute to this limited research base and inform our understanding of the needs of emerging adults with a diagnosis of cancer from a developmental perspective that appreciates the key transitional tasks of emerging adulthood.
  
  
  METHODS
  This needs-based qualitative study was conducted with 14 young people with a diagnosis of cancer, aged 20 to 25 years. Nine participated in a focus group, and the remaining 5 participated in 1-on-1 telephone interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The needs of these emerging adults in relation to their cancer experience were grouped into 6 themes: information, healthcare provision, daily living, interpersonal support, identity renegotiation, and emotional distress.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A cancer experience poses the potential for significant impact on the 4 main requirements for the achievement of adulthood: accepting responsibility for oneself, deciding on personal beliefs and values, establishing relationships with parents as equals, and becoming financially independent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides a useful framework for understanding the needs of emerging adults with a diagnosis of cancer that will assist healthcare professionals in the development and delivery of more targeted supportive care and interventions.
authors.affiliation: CanTeen, Australian Organisation for Young People Living With Cancer, Sydney, Australia. pandora.patterson@canteen.org.au
authors.forename: Pandora
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Brett
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Millar
authors.forename: Natacha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Desille
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: McDonald
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult