Square Pegs, Round Hole? Ensuring Fit in the AYAO Spectrum for Adolescents and Young Adults with Genetic Risk for Cancer.
This paper presents a case example of a young woman at genetic risk for future cancer. We discuss psychosocial challenges that adolescents and young adults (AYAs) may share with their cancer survivor peers, and describe an example of psychosocial care. A scientific foundation denoting the needs of AYAs at risk for heritable cancers is lacking, and it is unknown if these AYAs receive adequate support services. This is a call to action for practitioners and researchers to engage in initiatives that assure these AYAs have access to valuable support and more clearly mark their place within the spectrum of AYA oncology.
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University , Chicago, Illinois.
Stacy D
SD
Sanford
Mary L
ML
O'Connor
Kristin N
KN
Smith
A Elizabeth
AE
Young
BRCA mutation; genetic risk; psychosocial; supportive care