Advocacy

Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs)

In their own words

For AYAs, completing treatment is often seen as time of emotional exhaustion coupled with uncertainty about whether to relax and enjoy life again. For them, treatment came at a particularly vulnerable time in development. Many adolescent survivors of cancer experience psychological difficulties that are not adequately managed by current services.

>30%

Experience mental distress

75%

Had not spoken to a mental health professional

  • AYAs desire information about what could happen post-treatment.
  • Feel information on late effects is suboptimal. Information encourages them to take control.
  • Empowers them to proactively engage in survivor care or late effect screening to help adjust to life after cancer.