Cancer Sucks...Seriously!

     Researchers from the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Brad Zebrack along with some of his colleagues, present information from a qualitative analysis providing new information, including statements from personal experiences. The researchers survey adolescents and young adults (AYA) on their experience with cancer and the medical care they received to determine how or where to make improvements to care for this specific population of people within the cancer community (assuming that their needs/experiences differ from older populations). Zebrack and colleagues strive to close the gap of understanding/information between the frequently studied older adult population and the understudied AYA population regarding cancer treatments. Results show that financial concerns and delays in diagnoses were a big part of personal worries and reasons for anger for patients within that AYA grouping. 

     Zebrack and colleagues identified 1208 patients from AYA ranging from 15-39 years old who were newly diagnosed with cancer between July 1, 2007 and October 31, 2008. Of these patients, 524 of them responded to The Adolescent and Young Adult Health Outcomes and Patient Experiences (AYA HOPE) survey. The researchers used qualitative methodology to code survey responses. Most AYA patients were satisfied with the medical care they received. However, dissatisfaction revolved around "lack of information about drug effects and protocols, alternative treatment options, complementary and alternative medicine, and appropriate follow-up care upon completion of therapy.”

     This article would be helpful for those wanting to get an overview of the experiences of an under-researched group. In addition, the authors provide topics that can help focus future researchers’ questions in order to better investigate how to satisfy future medical needs in AYA cancer patients. 

LINK FOR EASY ACCESS>>> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3902666/

Zebrack, Brad, Erin Kent, Theresa Keegan, Ikuko Kato, Ashley Wilder Smith, and AYA HOPE Study Collaborative Group. "'Cancer Sucks,' and Other Ponderings by Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors." Journal of Psychosocial Oncology 32.1 (2014): 1-15. Web. 20 Jan. 2016.