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Palliative Care for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs)

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Palliative Care in Hematologic Malignancies and Serious Blood Disorders

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Abstract

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs), defined as individuals 15–39 years of age, represent a unique hematology/oncology population. The AYA life stage is a transition time, where individuals face developmental and psychosocial challenges that significantly impact the serious-illness experience.

Compared to children and adults, AYAs with hematologic cancers and serious blood disorders have not enjoyed the same improvements in survival. However, many clinicians express hesitation in introducing palliative care to AYAs and advance care planning conversations often occur late. Towards the end of life (EOL), many AYAs with advanced disease continue to receive high-intensity medical care.

For AYAs with an advanced illness such as cancer, their age-related stressors require careful attention. Clinicians should familiarize themselves with the unique social networks of AYAs, the variety of decision-making preferences, and wishes around care in youth with life-limiting illness. Early involvement of a palliative care team and the introduction of advance care planning can help clinicians deliver care that aligns with each patient’s values. Numerous tools and strategies are available to facilitate such conversations with AYAs and ease suffering in this distinct population. AYAs with cancer or serious blood disorders are not simply older children or young adults; they are a unique group that requires customized, skillful care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT), Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada

    Natalie Jewitt

  2. Department of Pediatric Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, ON, Canada

    Alisha Kassam

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  1. Natalie Jewitt
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Correspondence to Alisha Kassam .

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  1. Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Christina K. Ullrich

  2. Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Eric J. Roeland

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Jewitt, N., Kassam, A. (2023). Palliative Care for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs). In: Ullrich, C.K., Roeland, E.J. (eds) Palliative Care in Hematologic Malignancies and Serious Blood Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38058-7_21

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