Substance Use and Abuse

Substance Use and Abuse, presented by Karen Effinger, MD, MS – Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Adolescence and young adulthood is a developmental period marked by experimentation and development of habits that can impact long-term health. Substance use and abuse in this age is a well-known problem in the general population; however, it is an area that is often not discussed in AYA oncology. Most oncology providers do not receive training on how to address substance use and abuse in their patients. This session will focus on data regarding substance use and abuse in oncology patients and survivors, the importance of addressing substance use in oncology, and how to address these topics with patients.