What are the care experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer and do these experiences influence quality of life?

摘要

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are a unique yet poorly understood patient group. Neither children nor the common age for adult cancer, most AYAs are treated in hospitals with limited experience with this population. This study examines the association between AYAs' cancer care experiences and their quality of life (QoL). Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 200 AYAs (15-24 years at diagnosis), recruited through two Australian states' population-based cancer registries, examining experiences at diagnosis, treatment, and patients' physical, social, emotional and functional QoL.