Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Young adult cancer refers to any type of cancer that is diagnosed in individuals within the young adult age group, typically considered between the ages of 15 and 39. These cancers can have unique biological characteristics and often present specific challenges related to physical and emotional development, reproductive health, and long-term survivorship.
As our understanding of cancer grows, we realize that it is a disease that does not discriminate by age. This article is intended to provide an insightful look into the world of young adult cancer.
The term ‘young adult cancer’ stirs numerous questions, concerns, and misconceptions. To dispel some of these, we must delve into what this term means, the prevalence rates, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and impacts of cancer on young adults. Armed with this information, we can better support individuals facing this condition.
Within the healthcare community, a ‘young adult’ typically refers to an individual between the ages of 15 and 39 years. ‘Cancer’ is a general term often used to describe diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and can invade other body tissues.
Therefore, ‘young adult cancer,’ refers to cancers that occur in individuals within the young adult age spectrum. Unfortunately, these cancers often exhibit characteristics of both pediatric and adult malignancies, making them particularly challenging to prevent, diagnose, and treat.
As per the American Cancer Society, the incidence of cancer in young adults has been significantly increasing over the past decades. An estimated 89,500 young adults are diagnosed with cancer annually in the United States.
The most common cancers among young adults include breast cancer, melanoma, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and lymphomas. These cancer types come with their unique complications and challenges in their diagnosis and treatment.
Many factors contribute to these challenges, including the lack of awareness, initial misdiagnosis, and late-stage diagnosis. All these tend to contribute to poorer survival rates.
Causes of young adult cancer are usually multifactorial and may involve genetic variations, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Genetic mutations, either spontaneous or inherited, play a vital role in the development of some types of cancer.
Environmental factors such as exposure to harmful pollutants or radiation may also raise the risk for certain cancers. Lifestyle choices, including tobacco and alcohol use, high-fat diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity, have also been linked to increased cancer risk.
Diagnosing young adult cancer typically begins with a physical examination, followed by laboratory tests such as blood tests and biopsies, imaging tests like MRI, CT, or PET scans, and often biopsies where cells or tissues are removed and then examined under a microscope.
Each diagnostic procedure offers unique insights and provides healthcare professionals with information that aids in making an accurate diagnosis and formulating effective treatment plans.
Like diagnosis, the treatment of young adult cancers can be complex and depends on various factors. These may include the type and stage of cancer, the individual’s general health, and their personal preferences. Strategies can range from surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiation therapy to more recent developments like targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
Each treatment modality has its merits and demerits, and the choice usually involves careful discussions between the patient, their families, and the healthcare team.
Cancer can have a profound impact on young adults, affecting their psychological well-being and overall life experience. It often results in feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. The importance of strong and empowering support systems cannot be overstated.
Body image, sexual health, and fertility issues are some of the critical concerns for young adults diagnosed with cancer. These aspects require compassionate care and open discussions. Cancer also disrupts academic and professional goals, necessitating flexible plans that accommodate treatment and recovery.
Maintaining regular checkups can help identify changes indicative of cancer early on. Genetic testing, where applicable, can illuminate potential susceptibilities. Lastly, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, adequate physical exercise, limited alcohol intake, and strict avoidance of tobacco are crucial preventative measures.
The journey through young adult cancer is a convoluted one. It necessitates comprehensive understanding and proactive measures, from timely screenings and swift diagnosis to effective treatment protocols and robust support systems.
Everyone from healthcare professionals to families, and more importantly, young adults themselves, must remain empowered with information, so they can face this challenge with resilience and hope.
The most frequently diagnosed cancers in young adults include breast cancer, melanoma, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and various types of lymphomas.
The causes of young adult cancer are often multifactorial and can involve genetic mutations, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices.
Young adult cancers often exhibit properties of both pediatric and adult malignancies, making the diagnosis and treatment complicated. Moreover, the impacts on psychological health, body image, fertility, sexual health, and academic or professional advancement may be more significant in young adults.
Signs and symptoms can vary based on the type of cancer. However, unexplained weight loss, changing moles or skin lesions, persistent pain, fatigue, or unusual lumps are some symptoms that should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Often leading to stress, anxiety, and depression, cancer can have a significant impact on the mental health of young adults. Therefore, psychological support and counseling should be an integral part of comprehensive cancer care.
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