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Cancer care across the life span (children, adolescent & young adults, adults, and older adults)

10:30 - 12:00 Thursday, 10th June, 2021

Presentation type 20-minute Orals


37 Develop a holistic strategy to better support adolescents and young adults throughout their cancer journey

Ruhi Kiflen1, Annemarie Edwards ORCID iD1, Christine Harris1, Jonathan Avery2, Khairun Jivani3
1Canadian Cancer Society, Toronto, Canada. 2University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. 3Canadian Cancer Society, Vancouver, Canada

Clinical or Research Abstracts

Research

Patient Oriented Presentation

Patient Content

Presentation type

20 minute individual oral presentation

Abstract Themes

B. Cancer care across the life span (children, adolescent & young adults, adults, and older adults)

Background/rationale or Objectives/purpose

AYAs diagnosed with cancer face unique challenges. AYAs with cancer do not receive appropriate information and referrals to support services. They experience an intense symptom burden and face challenges in decision-making. This project seeks to:

  1. Understand the gaps in supportive care and how AYA needs vary amongst geography, cultures, and life stages.
  2. Co-design a multi-prong strategy and interventions to address their unmet needs
  3. Evaluate interventions to measure impact on AYA quality of life

Methodology or Methods

We used a mixed-methods approach. In phase 1, we completed a literature review to summarize supportive care needs of AYAs with cancer. In Phase 2, we are partnering with the Princess Margaret Cancer Center to conduct primary research through a survey and focus groups to co-design solutions. In addition, a multi-disciplinary advisory council will be formed to advise CCS in formulating, implementing, and evaluating a holistic strategy.

Impact on practice or Results

In phase 1, we identified a total of nine unmet needs: career supports; age-specific information; financial burden; psychosocial supports; physical challenges; palliative care; access to clinical trials; supports for fertility services and self-management. Proven strategies for improving information and support services for AYA include increasing availability of life stage-specific information, access to peer support programs and practical supports for financial, fertility and mental health services.  

Discussion or Conclusions

The needs of AYA vary along the continuum of care, in addition to their age, stage in life and geographic location. This work provides a foundation to develop an AYA strategy to implement the necessary solutions to better support AYAs with cancer.


69 Understanding Peer Support Seeking Behaviours among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer using Andersen’s Behavioural Model of Health Services Use

Stephanie Babinski1, Amina Khan1, Norma D'Agostino2, Karine Chalifour3, Emily Drake4, Sheila Garland5, Abha Gupta2, Fuchsia Howard6, Argerie Tsimicalis7, Jacqueline Bender1
1Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Program, Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. 2Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. 3Young Adult Cancer Canada, St. John's, Canada. 4Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. 5Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada. 6Univeristy of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. 7McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Clinical or Research Abstracts

Research

Patient Oriented Presentation

Patient Content

Presentation type

20 minute individual oral presentation

Abstract Themes

B. Cancer care across the life span (children, adolescent & young adults, adults, and older adults)

Background/rationale or Objectives/purpose

Adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA) frequently report feelings of social isolation and a desire to access peer support. Despite this, their uptake of peer support programs is low. We investigate the factors that facilitate and impede peer support seeking among AYA.  

Methodology or Methods

A diverse sample of 17 AYA were purposively selected from a survey sample of AYA recruited from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and online. Three semi-structured focus groups were conducted, co-facilitated by four patient partners. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically analyzed, first inductively, and then deductively using Andersen’s Behavioural Model of Health Services Use.

Impact on practice or Results

Participants were on average 31 years of age and 5.1 years post-diagnosis, and most (71%) were female. AYA peer support program utilization is influenced by the interactions between individual and contextual pre-disposing and enabling (or disabling) factors, and perceived/influenced need. Predisposing factors include: previous social support experiences, fears of emotional vulnerability, and knowledge of support programs. Enabling (or disabling) factors include: time, energy, and means to attend programs, and the availability of relevant programs. Factors that influence perceived need for support are: existing coping mechanisms and emotional readiness to accept support. Andersen’s theory helps conceptualize the confluence of individual and contextual factors that shape use (or non-use) of peer support programs among AYA.

Discussion or Conclusions

AYA peer support programs must be designed to overcome individual and contextual barriers to participation while leveraging and enhancing enabling factors.