Recent years have seen the emergence of adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology as a distinct field due to lack of progress in survival and quality-of-life outcomes (Ferrari et al. 2010, NCI & USDHHS 2006, Smith et al. 2013). The significant developmental change that occurs during this life stage complicates a diagnosis of cancer during the AYA years, often leading to unique physical, social and emotional impacts for young people at the time of diagnosis and throughout the cancer journey (Smith et al. 2012).

In caring for young people with cancer, careful attention to promoting normal development is required (COSA 2011). This requires personalised assessments and management involving a multidisciplinary, disease-specific, developmentally targeted approach informed by:

• understanding the developmental stages of adolescence and supporting normal adolescent health and development alongside cancer management
• understanding and supporting the rights of young people
• communication skills and information delivery that are appropriate to the young person
• addressing the needs of all involved, including the young person, their family and/or carer(s)
• working with educational institutions and workplaces
• addressing survivorship and palliative care needs.

An oncology team caring for a young person with cancer must:

• ensure access to expert AYA health professionals with knowledge specific to the biomedical and psychosocial needs of the population
• understand the biology and current management of the disease in the AYA age group
• consider clinical trials accessibility and recruitment for each patient
• if the prognosis is favourable, engage in proactive discussions about fertility preservation and the late effects of treatment and consider the patient’s psychosocial needs
• provide treatment in an AYA-friendly environment.

Youth cancer services

Youth cancer services provide specialist, age-appropriate treatment and support for young cancer patients aged 15–25 years. Youth cancer services are provided at five lead hospitals and linked to a network of more than 25 hospitals across Australia. Each service has a multidisciplinary specialist team of doctors and health professionals who are experienced in treating and caring for young people with a range of different cancers. They can also provide advice and information about the specific needs of AYA with a cancer diagnosis.