Health
Support important for young cancer survivors
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 27, 2006
Adolescents and young adult cancer patients rate support from family, friends and, especially, other cancer survivors, as high priority health care needs, according to a study in the Dec. 15 Cancer. The study also found that 15- to 29-year-old cancer survivors prefer to be treated by doctors who are sensitive to their age-specific needs.
Adequate health insurance and ongoing surveillance and assessment of long-term effects of treatment were other needs specific to this age group.
Despite dramatic improvements in childhood cancer survival rates, studies show the incidence of cancer in adolescents and young adults has risen higher than in children and older adult patients, said the researchers.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/11/27/hlbf1127.htm.
