Journal of adolescent and young adult oncology 

About: Journal of adolescent and young adult oncology is an academic journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Young adult & Medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 2156-5333. Over the lifetime, 792 publications have been published receiving 8439 citations. The journal is also known as: JAYAO & Journal of adolescent & young adult oncology.

Fertility Issues in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors.

Abstract: Purpose: Many adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors place great importance on fertility. This study explored AYAs' discussions of fertility in the context of discussing their survivorship experiences. Methods: Secondary analyses of a qualitative study of young adult survivors of adolescent cancers (“AYA survivors”) was performed using semistructured individual interviews and focus groups. Analyses were conducted using grounded theory using thematic content analysis with an inductive data-driven approach. Results: Participants (n = 43) were 16–24 years old, diagnosed with cancer between ages 14 and 18 years, and were at least 6 months post-treatment. Before treatment, 5 males banked sperm and no females preserved fertility. More males (50%) than females (39%) reported uncertainty about their fertility. Three major categories emerged from the data: fertility concerns, emotions raised when discussing fertility, and strategies used to manage fertility concerns. Fertility concerns focused on dating...

Fertility Preservation Preferences and Perspectives Among Adult Male Survivors of Pediatric Cancer and Their Parents

Abstract: Purpose: In this study, we set out to determine the preferences, concerns, and attitudes toward fertility preservation of adult male survivors of pediatric cancer and their parents. Methods: We conducted 3 focus groups with a total of 15 male survivors of pediatric cancer (age at diagnosis: mean=14, range: 10-20; age at study: mean=35, range: 25-47) and 2 groups with a total of 7 parents of survivors. Grounded theory methodology was used for the identification and analysis of recurrent themes expressed by survivors and their parents in the course of focus group discussions. Results: Themes most frequently expressed by survivors included concern regarding long-term treatment effects and a retrospective desire for fertility impairment to have been discussed when they were originally diagnosed with cancer. Parental themes included the same hindsight desire, as well as reliance upon the treating oncologist for direction in selecting the course of treatment, and an acknowledgment that input from a specialist in fertility preservation would have been beneficial. Conclusions: Although future reproductive potential was not consistently reported as a source of apprehension when diagnosed with cancer, both survivors and their parents noted it to be a paramount concern later in life. Parents and survivors both reported that fertility preservation discussions should be routinely incorporated in the clinical context of a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

Health Literacy in Adolescents and Young Adults: An Updated Review.

Abstract: Purpose: Health literacy is important for health outcomes in adults. However, little is known about the health literacy of adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The purpose of this study was to provide an updated systematic review examining health literacy among AYAs with and without chronic illness. Specifically, the review considered (1) what sources of health information AYAs use; (2) how well AYAs are able to understand, communicate, and critically evaluate health-related information; and (3) whether health literacy is associated with health behaviors and outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted for literature published in peer-reviewed journals using Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO databases. Results: Of 603 articles reviewed, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, six of which examined health literacy in a chronic illness population. Studies reported high usage for information sources, though no clear links between source type and health literacy emerged. Adequate health literacy was report...

Talking About Cancer and Meeting Peer Survivors: Social Information Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer

Abstract: Purpose: Limited research exists on the social information needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15–39 at diagnosis) with cancer. Methods: The Adolescent and Young Adult Health Outcomes and Patient Experiences (AYA HOPE) Study recruited 523 patients to complete surveys 6–14 months after cancer diagnosis. Participants reported information needs for talking about their cancer experience with family and friends (TAC) and meeting peer survivors (MPS). Multiple logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with each need. Results: Approximately 25% (118/477) and 43% (199/462) of participants reported a TAC or MPS need respectively. Participants in their 20s (vs. teenagers) were more likely to report a MPS need (p=0.03). Hispanics (vs. non-Hispanic whites) were more likely to report a TAC need (p=0.01). Individuals who did not receive but reported needing support groups were about 4 and 13 times as likely to report TAC and MPS needs respectively (p<0.05). Participants reporting high sym...

What Are the Unmet Needs and Care Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer? A Systematic Review.

Abstract: Purpose: To assess what is currently known about unmet needs and care experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer, identify gaps in the research literature, and highlight potential areas for improvement in future research. Methods: Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify relevant studies from 1990 to July 2015. Eligible articles included self-reported care experiences or unmet needs of cancer patients aged between 15 and 30 years in the period between symptom onset and 2 years post-treatment. Qualitative and quantitative designs were included. Results: Forty-five articles from 39 studies (23 qualitative, 12 quantitative, and 4 mixed methods) were rated as “adequate” or “good” quality and reviewed. The majority included any cancer diagnoses and none was longitudinal. There was considerable variation in age ranges and time since diagnosis between studies. Only two studies used standardized survey tools, with both tools validated on adult populations. The ...