Abstract
Young adulthood is unique period of life in which critical developmental milestones are achieved amid dynamic physical, emotional, and social changes. During this period of life, young adults are charged with establishing personal and social independence. When challenged with a cancer diagnosis, the already turbulent late teens, twenties, and thirties are dramatically and permanently altered. Hence, the needs of young adults vary from that of their pediatric and older adult counterparts. The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to identify what age-specific needs must be addressed by healthcare professionals to enhance quality of care and outcomes for this unique population of oncology patients. The following databases were searched from January 2010 to November 2019: Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Medline, and Mav Scholar Advanced Search. Sixteen studies were identified and analyzed. Findings suggest that although various physical and psychosocial demands exist, needs related to fertility preservation, sexuality, peer relationships, education, employment, and financial support are foremost. As healthcare professionals who often partner with oncologists or oversee primary care for young adults, advanced practice registered nurses are in a unique and critical position to deliver these age-appropriate interventions. Information provided to this age-cohort must be individualized and include knowledge regarding adherence, long-term side effects, clinical trials, and complementary therapies. Utilization of technology and social media is vital throughout the continuum of care from diagnosis to survivorship or end of life. Healthcare professionals must recognize the vulnerability associated with young adulthood, know each patient’s developmental and maturity level, and then appropriately implore educational and behavioral interventions.
Advisor
Rhonda Cornell
Date of Degree
2020
Language
english
Document Type
APP
Degree
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Department
School of Nursing
College
Allied Health and Nursing
Recommended Citation
Pelletier, S. M. (2020). Caring for young adults with cancer: A systematic review [Master’s alternative plan paper, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/975/
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
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