A new model of cancer follow-up care for young adult cancer survivors in Atlantic Canada.

It is estimated that approximately 10,000 Canadians aged 20-44 were diagnosed with cancer in 2005. Although the cancer mortality rate among young adults is substantial, the majority survive the experience and go on to live long lives. Many young adults with cancer face physical, social and psychological challenges because of their age at diagnosis and the subsequent late effects caused by cancer treatments. Some of the specific issues young adults with cancer face include: fertility and sexuality problems; interrupted education and work careers; relationship difficulties; and the inability to secure proper health and life insurance policies. The Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (CSCC) has identified the need for a national model of cancer follow-up/supportive/rehabilitative care, particularly for young adult cancer survivors, so that their survivor years can be lived with minimal levels of illness and other problems. The CSCC argues that evidence-based follow-up (supportive or rehabilitative) care guidelines should incorporate psychological and sociological needs. The proposed research project focuses on young adults diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18 and 34 in Atlantic Canada. The overall goal of the research is twofold: 1)To identify the gaps in the current model of cancer follow-up care for young adults in Atlantic Canada; 2)Based on the knowledge gained, to modify the current model of cancer follow-up care to include psycho-social issues. This project would be the first step towards an evidence-based follow-up care model in Atlantic Canada. We seek to interview between 50 to 60 young adults in Atlantic Canada and learn about their physical and psycho-social needs in follow-up care.