IWK Hematology/Oncology Clinical Research Support Team. Photo by Ryan Wilson IWK Left to right: Sarah Keeping RN PhD Candidate, Katrina MacDonald RN MN Candidate. Back row: Elayna Foran MA. Missing from photo: Dr. Meghan Pike, Tiffany Rent RN MN
Cancer in adolescents and young adults is a rising global epidemic. Despite this trend, little is known about what research topics are a priority to this population. This Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer week (April 6 to 10) the IWK Division of Pediatric Oncology want to shine a light on the unique challenges facing teens and young adults with cancer or who have survived cancer.
A recently published study in the British Medical Journal identified the top 10 research priorities identified in Adolescent and AYA cancer in Canada. Almost half of the top ten ranked priorities identified that the psychological and social impact of cancer on adolescents and young adults are amongst the greatest unmet needs yet receive only a small minority of cancer funding. Beyond the top ten priorities, several other priority areas focused on fear of cancer recurrence in survivors.
There is also a critical subgroup of survivors who struggle with psychological problems long after treatment. In Switzerland, one study reported 25 per cent of survivors experience severe psychological distress. Study results from other countries exceed this. For example, the Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) Prime study identified that 50 per cent of young adults experience mental health challenges.
Screening for distress is important. Examining the types of distress seen in survivors in the Maritimes followed in the Division of Pediatric Oncology's Survivorship Clinic is a high priority.
The Hematology/Oncology Clinical Research Support team (CRST), a nursing-led research group, has identified this project as a valuable contribution to progress in care for the AYA population. This group leads a number of early phase clinical trials for children and teens with cancer at the IWK.
At the IWK, we are working diligently to meet the top research priorities for AYAs in the Maritimes, work that we will share with colleagues across Canada and beyond. Improving essential care for these patients starts now. At the IWK, we’re up to the challenge.