The challenges facing young people with cancer
Being diagnosed with cancer at any age is a terrifying thing, but for young people, a cancer diagnosis can mean falling into a unique treatment limbo.
Young adults are often faced with receiving treatment among children in pediatric wards, or with elderly patients in more traditional oncology wards – and neither option addresses the specific needs of a young adult population.
Last month, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network released the first-ever specific guidelines for treating young people ages 19-40 diagnosed with cancer. The guidelines address “psychosocial needs, lack of insurance, the transitional nature of their lives (including transitioning out of pediatric care in some cases), and treatment compliance,” according to Medscape.
