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Psychosocial outcomes and interventions among cancer survivors diagnosed during adolescence and young adulthood (AYA): a systematic review

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Abstract

Purpose

A cancer diagnosis during adolescence or young adulthood (AYA; defined as ages 15–39) generates unique medical and psychosocial needs as developmental milestones are simultaneously impacted. Past research highlights that AYAs’ experiences and psychosocial outcomes are different, and more research and attention is needed. We aimed to identify and synthesize literature regarding psychosocial outcomes, unique needs, and existing psychosocial interventions pertaining to individuals diagnosed with cancer exclusively during AYA, and to highlight areas for future research.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and PsycINFO (via OVID). Grey literature was searched using key term variations and combinations. Overall, 15,301 records were assessed by two independent reviewers, with 38 studies meeting inclusion criteria.

Results

Data synthesis of the 38 articles was organized by four main themes based on quality of life and survivorship: physical well-being (7 studies), psychological well-being (8 studies), social well-being (9 studies), and survivorship care (14 studies). The paucity of studies for such broad inclusion criteria highlights that this population is often combined or subsumed under other age groups, missing needs unique to these AYAs.

Conclusions

AYA cancer survivors’ experiences are nuanced, with interacting variables contributing to post-treatment outcomes. AYAs require age-appropriate and flexible care, informational needs and treatment-related education that foster autonomy for long-term survivorship, as well as improved follow-up care and psychological outcomes.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

By incorporating these findings into practice, the informational and unmet needs of AYAs can be addressed effectively. Education and programming is lacking specific and general subject matter specific to AYAs, incorporating ranging needs at different treatment stages.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge Dr. Jamie Ostroff for her mentorship and guidance for this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA

    Marie Barnett

  2. Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA

    Glynnis McDonnell, Antonio DeRosa, Tammy Schuler, Lisa Peterson, Sabrina Jhanwar, Thomas M. Atkinson & Jennifer S. Ford

  3. St. John’s University Department of Psychology, Queens, NY, USA

    Glynnis McDonnell

  4. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, New York, NY, USA

    Tammy Schuler

  5. The Notre Dame Laboratory for Psycho-oncology Research, Notre Dame, IN, USA

    Errol Philip

  6. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Kaitlin Touza

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  1. Marie Barnett
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennifer S. Ford.

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Funding

This research was supported by a National Institutes of Health Research Training Grant (T32 CA009461-25), as well as a National Institutes of Health Support Grant (P30 CA08748-49), which provides partial support for the Behavioral Research Methods Core Facility used in conducting this investigation.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Appendix

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Table 2 Complete list of medical subject heading (MeSH) and keyword terms
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Barnett, M., McDonnell, G., DeRosa, A. et al. Psychosocial outcomes and interventions among cancer survivors diagnosed during adolescence and young adulthood (AYA): a systematic review. J Cancer Surviv 10, 814–831 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-016-0527-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-016-0527-6

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