Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: A System Performance Report

A report by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) centres on adolescents and young adults with cancer and reveals important gaps in care exist for cancer patients between the ages of 15 to 39. Evidence detailed in the report shows that facing cancer at the cusp of adulthood presents many obstacles unique to this age group, including the financial impacts of cancer, disconnection from peers, loss of independence and interrupted education and career. This represents the first time that national system performance data have been reported on the full breadth of the cancer continuum in adolescents and young adults – from diagnosis and treatment to long-term survivorship, and where needed, palliative and end-of-life care.