New guidance to help adolescents and young adults living with and beyond cancer

Disrupted milestones - As cancer disrupts milestones in life for adolescents and young adults, clinicians should try to address their unique needs and the effect of disruptions in various stages of development. This should include addressing topics such as fertility, sexual health, and advance care planning.
Mental health impacts - Cancer has a mental health impact on all patients. As adolescents and young adults are especially at risk of anxiety and depression, clinicians should regularly screen for mental health challenges and support patients with counselling, referrals, and appropriate medications if relevant.
Patient-centred language - Avoid language that might minimize the effect of being diagnosed with cancer and use terms preferred by the patient.
Post-treatment support - As most AYAs will live 50 to 60 years after initial treatment, ongoing guideline-aligned follow-up in collaboration with specialists is necessary. Patients may have long-term physical impacts, including potential cancer recurrence.
Intersectional identities - Adolescents and young adults have varied identities beyond age, and clinicians should ask about preferred names, pronouns, and other aspects of identity.

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