Optimizing Support for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Recommendations on Exercise, Nutrition, and Post-Treatment Care Needs from a Qualitative Study

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Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study is to understand how adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYA-CS) interact with exercise and nutrition information and programs after treatment, to explore their experiences in accessing these supports, and to identify where they perceive gaps to be in their care. This will include the perspectives of both AYA-CS and the health care professionals who deliver these services. Methods: A qualitative study using semistructured interviews, undertaken via Zoom. Group 1 consisted of AYA-CS, aged between 15 and 25 years of age at the time of diagnosis who had completed their primary treatment. Group 2 was made up of oncology health care professionals including medical, nursing, and allied health professionals who had a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with AYA cancer patients. Thematic analysis was conducted in an inductive manner to develop themes reflecting the needs and experiences of AYA-CS. Results: Eleven AYA-CS and seven health care professionals, from Australia, treated and working across adult and pediatric settings participated in the interviews. The analysis identified three primary themes “ The ongoing impacts of a cancer diagnosis ,” “ age as a critical construct ,” and “ delivering optimal care .” Conclusions: Findings highlight the number of challenges young people face in accessing necessary well-being supports post-treatment, emphasizing the need for individualized exercise and diet interventions. There is a need for health care services to better identify and tailor support for AYA-CS to ensure that their needs are met. Further research is needed to integrate these priorities into clinical practice.

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