Session #8 – Understanding and Addressing the Psychosocial Needs of AYA Patients

Presented by John M. Salsman, PhD

AYAs with cancer experience multiple, significant disruptions in many aspects of their lives. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness can be common experiences both during and after treatment. This session will focus on: (1) describing the prevalence of some of these common psychosocial needs and, (2) discussing strategies for providing effective support to those AYAs who most need our care. Ultimately, we hope to reduce the adverse psychosocial impact of cancer and enhance psychosocial wellbeing so that AYAs and their families can live richer, fuller lives.

**Don’t have time to watch the full recording? Check out this 4-minute Lightning Lesson for a condensed version focusing on the major highlights and takeaways.

Landmark Articles

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Osmani V, Hörner L, Klug SJ, Tanaka LF. Prevalence and risk of psychological distress, anxiety and depression in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Med. 2023;12(17):18354-18367. doi:10.1002/cam4.6435

Fox RS, Armstrong GE, Gaumond JS, et al. Social isolation and social connectedness among young adult cancer survivors: A systematic review. Cancer. 2023;129(19):2946-2965. doi:10.1002/cncr.34934

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Haines ER, Lux L, Smitherman AB, et al. An actionable needs assessment for adolescents and young adults with cancer: the AYA Needs Assessment & Service Bridge (NA-SB). Support Care Cancer. 2021;29(8):4693-4704. doi:10.1007/s00520-021-06024-z

Bhatia S, Pappo AS, Acquazzino M, et al. Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology, Version 2.2024, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2023;21(8):851-880. doi:10.6004/jnccn.2023.0040

Salsman JM, Rosenberg AR. Fostering resilience in adolescence and young adulthood: Considerations for evidence-based, patient-centered oncology care. Cancer. 2024;130(7):1031-1040. doi:10.1002/cncr.35182

Rosenberg AR, Salsman JM. Resilience in adolescent and young adult oncology: Problems and prospects. Cancer. 2024;130(7):1015-1018. doi:10.1002/cncr.35180