Follow-Up Care Provider Preferences of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Emergency Department Use in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Early Survivors from 2006 to 2020

Purpose: Understanding emergency department (ED) use in adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors could identify gaps in AYA survivorship. Methods: We conducted a cohort study of 7925 AYA survivors (aged 15-39 years at diagnosis) who were 2-5 years from diagnosis in 2006-2020 at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. We calculated ED utilization rates overall and by indication of the encounter (headache, cardiac issues, and suicide attempts). We estimated rate changes by survivorship year and patient factors associated with ED visit using a Poisson model. Results: Cohort was 65.4% women, 45.8% Hispanic, with mean age at diagnosis at 31.3 years. Overall, 38% of AYA survivors had ≥1 ED visit (95th percentile: 5 ED visits). Unadjusted ED rates declined from 374.2/1000 person-years (PY) in Y2 to 327.2 in Y5 (p change < 0.001). Unadjusted rates declined for headache, cardiac issues, and suicide attempts. Factors associated with increased ED use included: age 20-24 at diagnosis [relative risk (RR) = 1.30, 95% CI 1.09-1.56 vs. 35-39 years]; female (RR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.11-1.47 vs. male); non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.38-1.95 vs. non-Hispanic white); comorbidity (RR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.16-1.55 for 1 and RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.40-2.30 for 2+ vs. none); and public insurance (RR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.70-2.32 vs. private). Compared with thyroid cancer, cancers associated with increased ED use were breast (RR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.24-1.70), cervical (RR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.76-2.71), colorectal (RR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.94-2.81), and sarcoma (RR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.88). Conclusion: ED utilization declined as time from diagnosis elapsed, but higher utilization was associated with social determinants of health and cancer types.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors-Opportunity to Address Gaps in Cancer Prevention and Survivorship

The risks of secondary cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are as much as three times higher for survivors of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer (PYAC) compared to the general population. Despite this, HPV vaccination rates among PYAC survivors remain low. Whereas pediatric oncology providers endorse HPV vaccination of PYAC survivors, many lack the resources or opportunities to intervene. The responsibility of HPV vaccination, therefore, falls to primary care providers and practices. This article provides an overview of the challenges with HPV vaccination that are distinct to PYAC survivors and discusses potential strategies to increase HPV vaccine coverage in this population.

Cancer center-based follow-up among pediatric and adolescent/young adult cancer survivors: the role of a community-based organization and the social determinants of health

PURPOSE

Adherence to survivorship care is suboptimal among pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. We evaluated predictors of cancer center-based follow-up among pediatric/AYA cancer survivors, with an emphasis on social determinants of health (SDOH).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used electronic health record data at an academic medical center to identify patients aged 0-29 years at last cancer treatment who completed treatment 2010-2019. Cancer center-based follow-up was defined by oncology or survivorship clinic visits through 12/31/2022. Multivariate logistic regression models (overall, ages 0-19 [pediatric], 20-29 [YA]) evaluated the association of demographics, clinical/treatment characteristics, and SDOH (insurance type, distance to cancer center, area deprivation index) with clinic attendance. Further modeling accounted for the service area of a community-based organization (CBO) that supports families of children with cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 2210 survivors were included (56% pediatric, 44% YA; 66% non-White). Cancer center-based follow-up decreased from 94% 1-year post-treatment to 35% at > 5-7 years. In adjusted analysis, AYAs had the lowest follow-up (5-7 years post-treatment: OR 0.25 [0.15-0.41] for age 25-29; OR 0.25 [0.16-0.41] for age 20-24; OR 0.32 [0.20-0.52] for age 15-19). Survivors residing within the CBO service area were twice as likely to follow-up (OR 2.10 [1.34-3.29]).

CONCLUSIONS

Among a diverse population, AYA survivors were vulnerable to loss to follow-up. Other SDOH were not consistently associated with follow-up. Support from a CBO may partly explain these findings.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

CBOs may strengthen survivorship follow-up within medically underserved communities. More research is needed to understand community support in survivorship.

Adolescent and Young Adult Communication Preferences

The purpose of this study was to examine adolescents and young adults preferred methods of communication by health care professionals and to identify whether this aligns/differs from overall preferred methods of social media use. Sixty-seven participants completed an electronic survey about their communication preferences. Forty-eight participants were patients and 19 were parents. Logistic regression and chi-square analysis were performed to predict social media use and communication preferences from predictors including age, gender, race, and treatment status. More research is needed to generalize these results, and future research could further evaluate the effectiveness of implementing health care interventions using preferred platforms.

Implementation barriers and considerations for recommending and administering the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in oncology settings

BACKGROUND

Survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer experience low human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates-a crucial form of cancer prevention. Oncology provider recommendations may increase young survivors HPV vaccine intent, but HPV vaccination is not typically provided in the oncology setting. Thus, we explored the implementation barriers of providing the HPV vaccine in oncology.

METHODS

We interviewed oncology providers in a variety of specialty areas about their perceptions of the HPV vaccine and to explore barriers to recommending and administering the vaccine in their clinics. Interviews were audio recorded, quality checked, and thematically analyzed. Emergent themes were then mapped onto the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) Model and the Theoretical Domains Framework.

RESULTS

A total of N=24 oncology providers were interviewed. Most provided direct clinical care (87.5%) and most commonly specialized in pediatric oncology (20.8%), medical oncology (16.7%), bone marrow transplant (16.7%), and nurse coordination (16.7%). Two themes emerged within each COM-B domain. Capability: 1) educational barriers to HPV vaccination and 2) complicated post treatment HPV vaccination guidelines.

MOTIVATION

1) perceived importance of HPV vaccine and 2) concern about blurred scope of practice.

OPPORTUNITY

 1) hospital administration and time concern barriers and 2) clinical workflow integration concerns.

CONCLUSION

Implementing HPV vaccination in the oncology setting has the potential to increase HPV vaccination rates among young survivors. Multi-level barriers to providing the HPV vaccine in the oncology setting were identified by participants. Leveraging existing implementation strategies may be an effective way to mitigate provider identified barriers and increase vaccination rates.

Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccine Intent Among Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer: a Mixed Method Study

BACKGROUND

Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer are susceptible to severe COVID-19 outcomes due to their cancer history. Drivers of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and willingness are largely unexplored among AYA cancer survivors.

METHODS

We surveyed survivors of AYA cancer from October 2020-February 2021 who received services through an AYA cancer care program. Survey measures included vaccine hesitancy on a five-point Likert scale and an open-ended question on vaccine intent. Open-ended responses were content analyzed through two cycles of structured coding. Quantitative vaccine intent and qualitative drivers of intent were integrated during data analysis.

RESULTS

Of participants who responded to the open-ended vaccine intent question (N = 300), 39.0% reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Qualitative content analysis resulted in N = 517 codes and seven content categories. The most common content category associated with hesitancy included COVID-19 vaccine development, approval, and efficacy (34.5%; p value ≤ 0.001), as well as content areas including presence of misinformation about COVID-19 in the response (4.8%; p value = 0.04), the desire for more information about COVID-19/COVID-19 vaccine (6.0%; p value ≤ 0.001), and reference to political influence on participants' intent to get the vaccine (2.5%; p value = 0.005). The most common category associated with vaccine willingness was personal perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination including protecting oneself and others (36.6% of codes; p value ≤ 0.001), followed by pro-vaccine beliefs (8.3%; p value ≤ 0.001) and trust in science (3.9%; p value ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Common drivers of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among survivors of AYA cancer include concern about vaccine side effects and approval process, and misinformation. Cancer survivors COVID-19 vaccine uptake could be improved by focusing communication on drivers of willingness, motivational interviewing, and physician recommendations.

HPV Vaccination Initiation and Completion Among Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors and a Comparison Population Sample Receiving Primary Care

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations can reduce pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (PAYA) cancer survivors' susceptibility to HPV-related subsequent cancers. We examined differences in HPV vaccination initiation and completion among a Utah-based cohort of PAYA cancer survivors and a cancer-free population sample. Participants received primary care at 1 of 2 health care systems during study follow-up: 2006-2016. Vaccination records were identified from these health care systems, statewide vaccination records, and an all-payer claims database. HPV vaccination initiation (1 dose) and completion (3 doses) were compared between cancer survivors (N=1579) and age-matched and sex-matched cancer-free population sample (N=4513). Individuals were 9 to 21 years old at cohort entry. Mixed-effects Poisson regression estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Relative to the population sample, cancer survivors were less likely to initiate vaccination (IRR=0.8, 95% CI: 0.73-0.98). The most severe disparity compared with the population sample for vaccine initiation (IRR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.31-0.74) or completion (IRR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.28-0.89) was observed for Hispanic survivors. PAYA cancer survivors are less likely to initiate HPV vaccination series than noncancer counterparts. Targeted interventions should be directed at PAYA survivors to raise HPV vaccination with emphasis on high-risk groups such as Hispanic survivors.

HPV Vaccine Experiences and Preferences Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors and Caregivers of Childhood Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing HPV-associated cancers later in life, yet their HPV vaccination rates remain lower than the general population. Improving HPV vaccination uptake among survivors is essential to preventing second malignancies. We interviewed HPV vaccine eligible adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors (18-26 years) and caregivers of HPV vaccine eligible childhood cancer survivors approaching the AYA age range (9-17 years) about their HPV vaccine experiences and preferences as informed by the HPV Vaccination Roundtable Best Practices. Interviews (N = 20) were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using interpretive description. Of AYA survivors (n = 10), 50% had received at least one HPV vaccine dose. Of caregivers (n = 10), 30% reported their child had received at least one HPV vaccine dose. Three distinct categories emerged including (1) HPV vaccine knowledge, (2) HPV vaccination recommendation preferences, and (3) HPV vaccination reminder preferences. The first two categories were oncology focused. Participants lacked knowledge regarding HPV vaccine safety and applicability due to their complex cancer history. Most participants strongly preferred that their oncologist provide an HPV vaccine recommendation. The third category was mixed, with some participants preferring oncology-based HPV vaccine reminders while others preferred primary care-based reminders. Almost all participants preferred digital reminders (e.g., text messages). Our results suggest that oncologists play an essential role in recommending the HPV vaccine and providing information to assist survivors and caregivers with vaccine decision-making. Additionally, HPV vaccination uptake among pediatric and childhood and AYA survivors could be improved through the use of tailored, electronically delivered vaccine reminders.

Employment among Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To date, there are heterogeneous studies related to childhood cancer survivors’ (CCS) employment rates. Given the importance of this topic, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence of employment among CCS and to examine its association with socio-demographic and clinical factors. We followed the PRISMA guidelines to search for pertinent articles in relevant electronic databases. Eighty-nine articles comprising 93 cohorts were included. The overall prevalence of employment was 66% (CI: 95% 0.63–0.69). Subgroup meta-analyses showed that lower rates were found for central nervous system tumor survivors (51%, CI: 95% 0.43–0.59), and for CCS treated with cranial-radiotherapy (53%, CI: 95% 0.42–0.64) or haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (56%, CI: 95% 0.46–0.65). The studies conducted in Asia highlighted employment rates of 47% (CI: 95%, 0.34–0.60). Univariate meta-regressions identified the following socio-demographic factors associated with higher rates of employment: a female gender (p = 0.046), a higher mean age at the time of investigation (p = 0.00), a longer time since diagnosis (p = 0.00), a higher educational level (p = 0.03), and a married status (p = 0.00). In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence that two-thirds of CCS are employed worldwide. Identifying vulnerable groups of CCS may allow for the design of multidisciplinary support strategies and interventions to promote employment in this population.

Survivors' preferences for the organization and delivery of supportive care after treatment: An integrative review

PURPOSE

Quality supportive care during cancer survivorship contributes to positive physical and psychosocial health. However, the potential positive impacts are influenced by survivors' perceptions of and ability to access the supportive care services that they deem important to their well-being. The purpose of this integrative review was to examine cancer survivors' preferences for the organization and delivery of supportive care services in the post-treatment period.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search for relevant quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies. Included studies were analyzed using directed content analysis, focused on models of care and type of provider, site of care, specialized services, structural supports through transitions, and sources of information.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine studies were included. Overall, survivors' preferences are not static and fluctuate over time based on their perceived health needs, concerns and points of transition in care. While specialist supportive care led by consultant oncologists is often identified as the preferred model of care, survivors' also express preferences for integrated and shared models of care, involving oncology nurses, primary care and multidisciplinary professionals to optimise coordination and impact of supportive care. Flexibility in care delivery, leveraging technology and expertise, was preferred to ensure convenient and timely access to supportive care.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer survivors express preferences for the organization and delivery of supportive care in the post-treatment phase that fluctuate based on their perceived health needs. The development of novel survivorship health services must consider survivors' preferences and allow flexibility in care delivery to facilitate engagement, uptake, and effectiveness.

Mixed methods assessment of impact on health awareness in adult childhood cancer survivors after viewing their personalized digital treatment summary and follow-up recommendations

Background

The survival rate after childhood cancer has improved to 80%. The majority of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) will experience late complications which require follow up care, including access to their individual cancer treatment summary. The need to understand CCS needs and preferences in terms of ways to receive information e.g. digitally, becomes important. This study aims to through a mixed methods approach a) examine how CCS’ health awareness was impacted by viewing their personalized digital treatment summary and follow-up recommendations, b) explore E health literacy, and c) determine self-reported survivorship experiences and health care usage.

Methods

Survivors with a recent visit to the Late effects clinic were eligible for the study (n = 70). A representative sample of primary diagnoses were invited (n = 28). 16 CCS were enrolled. Recent medical visits, e health literacy and impressions of the digital treatment summary were assessed by a survey in conjunction with viewing their digital treatment summary on a computer screen. Their experience of reading and understanding their digital treatment summary in the context of their health related survivorship experiences were assessed in focus groups. The transcribed data was analyzed with conventional qualitative content analysis.

Results

The self-reported medical problems largely reflected that, only 6,3% reported no cancer-related reasons for seeking medical attention. Of the medical specialists, the primary care physician was the most frequently visited specialist (68.8%). High E health literacy was not associated with treatment features but with educational level (p = 0.003, CI: 3.9–14.6) and sex (p = 0.022, CI: − 13.6- -1.3). All survivors graded the digital treatment summary above average in terms of being valuable, agreeable and comprehensive. The focus group interviews identified three themes: 1) The significance of information, 2) The impact of awareness; and 3) Empowerment.

Conclusions

Reading the treatment summaries furthered the survivors understanding of their health situation and consequently aided empowerment. A digital treatment summary, provided by knowledgeable health care professionals, may increase the self-managed care and adherence to follow-up recommendations. Further insights into e health literacy in larger samples of CCS may determine to what extent health-related information can be communicated via digital resources to this at risk population.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08051-9.

"There Should Have Been a More Holistic Approach"-A Qualitative Study of Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Experiences of Follow-up After Cancer Treatment

BACKGROUND

Young adult cancer survivors (YACSs) are in a vulnerable period of life with increased risk of severe physical and psychosocial late effects. However, limited research exists on follow-up of YACSs after cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore how YACSs experience follow-up from the healthcare system after finishing cancer treatment.

METHODS

Using a qualitative method with an interpretive descriptive design, 20 YACSs were interviewed 4 times over a period of 6 months. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using Systematic Text Condensation.

RESULTS

Four main themes were identified: "They should have prepared me better," "The GP (general practitioner) does not understand my challenges," "My check-ups are all about cancer relapse," and "I do not know who's in charge."

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate deficiency in the healthcare system's follow-up of YACSs in terms of preparation for the survival phase, interdisciplinary cooperation, and acknowledgement of late effects, as well as organization of follow-up care within the healthcare system.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

A more holistic perspective on follow-up care that addresses YACSs' multidimensional challenges is suggested, including a multidisciplinary approach where cancer nurses should play an active role.

Evaluation of the discussion of late effects and screening recommendations in survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) lymphoma

PURPOSE

The study objective was to assess the discussion of late effects (LEs) and screening recommendations (SRs) for adolescent and young adults (AYAs) treated for lymphoma.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on AYA lymphoma survivors aged 15-24 years at diagnosis who received radiation therapy (RT) ± chemotherapy between 1984 and 2010 at any of the six British Columbia (BC) Cancer treatment centers across the province. Charts were reviewed to evaluate discussion of LEs and SRs. Susceptibility to specific LEs was determined by reviewing treatment details.

RESULTS

Of 305 patients, 212 (70%) had documented discussion of at least one specific LE, 39 (13%) had non-specific documentation only, and 54 (18%) had no documented discussion of LEs. Accounting only for patients susceptible to each LEs, the most frequently discussed LEs was radiation-induced (RI) neoplasm (42%), and the least frequently discussed LEs was carotid artery stenosis (0.4%). The most common SRs discussed in susceptible patients was for RI breast cancer (43%). Of patients discharged between 1985 and 1999 vs 2000 and 2014, LEs were discussed in 63 vs 93% (P < 0.0005), and SRs were discussed in 30 vs 65%, respectively (P < 0.0005). Older age at discharge, presence of a discharge note, and occurrence of a discharge appointment were associated with increased discussion of SRs.

CONCLUSIONS

Most survivors of AYA lymphoma received some discussion of LEs and SRs, but each relevant LEs and SRs was discussed in only a minority of susceptible patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Survivors of AYA lymphoma and their primary care professionals may not be appropriately informed of health risks and how to screen for them.

Impact of Lagtime, Health Insurance Type, and Income Status at Diagnosis on the Long-Term Survival of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients

Purpose: Delays in diagnosis can affect the short-term survival outcomes of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. We sought to determine the extent to which delayed diagnosis, health insurance type, and income status are associated with the long-term survival of AYA cancer patients. Methods: We reviewed an institutional cohort of 268 patients age 15-29 years who were diagnosed with the most common neoplasms of the AYA population between 2001 and 2003. We grouped patients by the time of onset of cancer symptomatology to verified diagnosis (lagtime to diagnosis; short or long), health insurance type at diagnosis (public or private), zip-code-based median household income (≤U.S. $50,000 or >U.S. $50,000), and demographic variables. Overall survival (OS) and late OS (LOS; the time from the 5-year anniversary of cancer diagnosis to death from any cause) were the outcomes of interest. Results: OS and LOS did not differ between those with short or long lagtimes to diagnosis for all cancer and for specific cancer types. Among patients with long lagtimes, those with private insurance had significantly better LOS than those with public insurance (p = 0.03). Compared with those who had public insurance, patients who had private insurance at diagnosis had significantly better LOS (p = 0.008). Patients with household incomes >U.S. $50,000 had better LOS than those with household incomes ≤U.S. $50,000 (p = 0.02). Patients with public insurance and household incomes ≤U.S. $50,000 had the poorest LOS. Conclusions: AYA cancer patients with either public health insurance or a low household income at diagnosis are at risk of an inferior LOS.

The Creation of a Comprehensive Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Program: "Lost in Transition" No More

Purpose: The Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Program set out to improve survivorship care for AYA-aged patients (15-39 years) of pediatric or AYA cancer. This article discusses the steps in establishing the clinic, including the creation of a database on cancer history, exposures, and attendant risks of late effects. Results from the database tell the broader story of AYAs who seek care within a dedicated survivorship clinic. Methods: The database was created with REDCap^® (Research Electronic Data Capture), a secure web-based, HIPAA compliant application for research and clinical study data. Data were abstracted and analyzed by trained members of the program team. Results: A total of 144 patients were seen for their initial survivorship visit between January 2013 and September 2019. Regarding physical health, two-thirds of the patients presented with an established late effect, one third with an established medical comorbidity, and 11% (n = 16) with secondary cancer related to their oncologic treatment. In assessing mental health, a significant cohort reported a known affective disorder (32%, n = 46) with one quarter already taking a psychotropic medication. Despite the transient nature of AYAs, 85% of patients remained in care within the long-term follow-up clinical model. Conclusions: Data presented illustrate how multilayered and complex survivorship care needs can be, as patients enter the clinic with complicated pre-existing psychosocial issues, significant late effects, and comorbidities. This study reinforces the value of a clinical database to better understand AYA survivors with the ultimate goal of optimizing and coordinating care.

Influence of provider recommendations to restart vaccines after childhood cancer on caregiver intention to vaccinate

PURPOSE

We studied the influence of oncology and primary care provider (PCP) recommendations on caregiver intentions to restart vaccines (e.g., catch-up or boosters) after cancer treatment.

METHODS

We surveyed primary caregivers ages 18 or older with a child who had completed cancer treatment 3-36 months prior (N = 145) about demographics, child's vaccination status, and healthcare factors (e.g., provider recommendations, barriers, preferences for vaccination). We compared these factors by caregiver's intention to restart vaccines ("vaccine intention" vs. "no intent to vaccinate") using bivariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Caregivers were primarily ages 30-39 years (54.9%), mothers (80.6%), college graduates (44.4%), non-Hispanic (89.2%), and married (88.2%). Overall, 34.5% of caregivers did not know which vaccines their child needed. However, 65.5% of caregivers reported vaccine intention. Fewer caregivers with no intention to vaccinate believed that vaccinating their child helps protect others (85.4 vs. 99.0%, p < 0.01), that vaccines are needed when diseases are rare (83.7 vs. 100.0%, p < 0.01), and that vaccines are safe (80.4 vs. 92.6%, p = 0.03) and effective (91.5 vs. 98.9%, p = 0.04) compared with vaccine intention caregivers, respectively. Provider recommendations increased caregivers' likelihood of vaccine intention (oncologist RR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.27-2.12, p < 0.01; PCP RR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.19-1.94, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Provider recommendations positively influence caregivers' intention to restart vaccines after childhood cancer. Guidelines are needed to support providers in making tailored vaccine recommendations.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Timely vaccination after childhood cancer protects patients against vaccine-preventable diseases during survivorship. Caregivers may benefit from discussing restarting vaccinations after cancer with healthcare providers.

Optimizing Survivorship Care Services for Asian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study

Purpose: With an increasing focus on developing survivorship services tailored for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, incorporation of viewpoints from both survivors and health care professionals (HCPs) is important. This study aims to explore the perceptions of current and prospective survivorship services from both groups in Singapore to propose service design and delivery strategies. Methods: Focus group discussions with 23 AYA cancer survivors between the ages of 16 and 39 years at diagnosis and 18 HCPs were conducted in National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). All focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim. Deductive thematic analysis was performed according to the components of a design thinking model: empathizing with AYA survivors, defining care gaps, proposing services, and implementation strategies. Results: AYA survivors preferred age-specific services that are aligned with their personal goals. Current survivorship care failed to address the needs of survivors' dependents (caregivers and children) and to consider the utility of each service temporally. Prospective services should clarify disease disclosure obligation in job search and introduce a care navigator. Key implementation strategies included (1) training HCPs on communication techniques with AYA, (2) selecting engagement platforms that complement survivors' information-seeking behavior, (3) improving outreach to survivors through appropriate branding and publicity, and (4) consolidating services from multiple providers. Conclusions: The design of survivorship care services for AYA survivors should be systematic in its conceptualization process and employ implementation strategies. The coordination of the wide spectrum of services warrants a concerted effort by cancer centers, community partners, and the government.

HPV vaccination knowledge, intentions, and practices among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors

The HPV vaccine is an important vaccine for childhood cancer survivors because of their risks of second cancers, yet few survivors receive it. We examined HPV vaccine knowledge among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors, whether their child had received the vaccine, and their intentions to vaccinate. Eligible participants were caregivers (mostly parents) whose child finished cancer treatment at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah 3 to 36 months prior to the start of the study (N = 145). Additional analyses were done among caregivers whose child was age-eligible for the HPV vaccine (ages 11 and up; N = 61). We ran descriptive statistics and fit multivariable generalized linear models to identify factors associated with intention to vaccinate and HPV vaccination uptake. Among caregivers whose child had not yet gotten the HPV vaccine, approximately 30% stated they were not likely to get the vaccine for their child and the most commonly cited reason was not enough information (25.2%). Provider discussion about vaccines and side effects (relative risk (RR) = 1.85, 95% CI 1.16–2.94), along with recommendations regarding vaccines after cancer treatment (RR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.06–1.72), led to greater caregiver intention to get the HPV vaccine for their child with cancer. Approximately 40% of age-eligible survivors had gotten at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Our findings demonstrate a need for oncology-focused interventions to educate families of childhood cancer survivors about the importance of the HPV vaccine after cancer therapy.

Challenges and opportunities in the care of survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer are an understudied group. Much of what is known about long-term outcomes after AYA cancer has been derived from cohorts of childhood cancer survivors, which seldom include patients at the older end of the AYA age spectrum. In general, AYA cancer survivors have a lower risk for premature mortality, subsequent primary neoplasms and chronic health conditions than childhood cancer survivors. However, AYA cancer survivors are vulnerable to psychosocial challenges, concerns about fertility and relationships and financial toxicity. No single model is optimal for the care of these survivors, but it is generally agreed that all survivors require a survivor care plan that promotes their adherence to evidence-based surveillance guidelines. There is a need to create survivor cohorts that include the full range of AYA ages and diagnoses to be able to address the many pressing questions that remain unanswered in this vulnerable population.

Provider Involvement in Care During Initial Cancer Treatment and Patient Preferences for Provider Roles After Initial Treatment

PURPOSE

Patients report strong preferences regarding which provider-oncologist or primary care provider (PCP)-handles their primary care after initial cancer treatment (eg, other cancer screenings, preventive care, comorbidity management). Little is known about associations between provider involvement during initial cancer treatment and patient preferences for provider roles after initial treatment.

METHODS

Women who received a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer in 2014 to 2015 were identified from the Georgia and Los Angeles County SEER registries and surveyed (N = 2,502; 68% response rate). Women reported the level of their providers' involvement in their care during initial cancer treatment. Associations between level of medical oncologist's participation and PCP's engagement during initial cancer treatment and patient preferences for oncologist led ( v PCP led) other cancer screenings after initial treatment were examined using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

During their initial cancer treatment, 20% of women reported medical oncologists participated substantially in delivering primary care and 66% reported PCPs were highly engaged in their cancer care. Two-thirds (66%) of women preferred medical oncologists to handle other cancer screenings after initial treatment. Women who reported substantial medical oncologist participation in primary care were more likely (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.91) and those who reported high PCP engagement in cancer care were less likely (adjusted odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.53) to prefer oncologist-led other cancer screenings after initial treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Providers' involvement during initial cancer treatment may affect patient preferences regarding provision of follow-up primary care. Clarifying provider roles as early as during cancer treatment may help to better delineate their roles throughout survivorship.

Documentation and incidence of late effects and screening recommendations for adolescent and young adult head and neck cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy

PURPOSE

A retrospective review of adolescent and young adult (AYA) head and neck cancer (HNC) patients treated with radiation therapy (RT) at British Columbia Cancer  was performed to determine the incidence of late toxicities, the documented late side effects discussed and the screening recommendations provided at the time of transfer of care to primary care providers (PCPs).

METHODS

Charts (n = 162) were reviewed for all patients 15 to 35 years at diagnosis with HNC treated with RT from 1960 to 2010 who survived > 5 years after diagnosis.

RESULTS

A discussion regarding the risk of long-term side effects was documented in the initial consultation for 85% of patients. The majority of patients (78%) developed > 1 documented late effect. The most common were xerostomia (44%), skin changes (28%), neck fibrosis (22%), nasal crusting (16%), epistaxis (16%), and dental decay (14%). In all, 20% were currently followed or were followed until they died. Of the 80% transferred to their PCP, 14% had a formal discharge summary. For those discharged from British Columbia Cancer, documented recommendations included regular dental care (34%) and screening for hypothyroidism (5%) and second malignancy (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of AYA HNC patients treated with RT developed late side effects, and most PCPs were not sent a discharge summary outlining screening recommendations for delayed late effects.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

AYA HNC survivors treated with RT are at high risk for late effects and would benefit from a survivorship care plan outlining these risks and screening recommendations.