Abstract 1306: Preferences for survivorship care among AYA cancer survivors and challenges of cancer specialist-led follow up
Authors: Yuki Kojima, Yayoi Ando, Yuki Nogami, Shintaro Iwata, Tatsuya Suzuki, Eriko Satomi
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Background: The number of cancer survivors is increasing substantially. Survivorship care, including long-term health care, for adolescent and young adult (15-39 years) (AYA) cancer survivors is not standardized. AYA cancer survivors have unique challenges that differ from those of other generations. The purpose of this study was to highlight challenges regarding survivorship care for AYA cancer survivors. Methods: This study assessed survivorship care challenges for AYA cancer survivors based on questionnaire data in two configurations. We surveyed AYA cancer survivors diagnosed with various cancer types at our hospital regarding the actual status and challenges of survivorship care. Questionnaires assessed schooling and employment status, place of residence, length of hospital visits, cost of transportation to hospital, department and reason for visits, and issues related to survivorship care. We then surveyed cancer specialists who provide survivorship care about the actual status and challenges of survivorship care, including issues identified in the AYA cancer survivor survey. Results: Ninety-eight AYA cancer survivors responded; 42 survivors (42.9%) were aged 20-29 and 45 (45.9%) were aged 30-39. The median time since completion of cancer treatment was 3.7 years. Most survivors (85.7%) hoped for long-term follow-up for surveillance of cancer recurrence. There were 27 survivors (27.6%) who received survivorship care in more than one department, and 26 (26.5%) received survivorship care in cooperation with other departments in the other hospital. Due to schoolwork and jobs, 52.0% of survivors felt that time for outpatient visits was scarce, and 51.0% of survivors indicated that they would prefer online survivorship care. On the other hand, the survey for cancer specialists was completed by 45 respondents (70.3%). More than 60% of cancer specialists providing follow-up care for AYA cancer patients felt that knowledge and experience in reproductive medicine and life events was necessary. Furthermore, regarding the challenges of long-term follow-up care for AYA cancer patients, more than 80% of physicians felt that mental, endocrine-related, and sexual function-related care and management were difficult in their own practices. Conclusion: AYA cancer survivors with schoolwork and jobs felt that they had challenges in visiting outpatient clinics for survivorship care. Meanwhile, cancer specialists found it difficult to provide mental, endocrine, and reproductive care for AYA cancer survivorship care on their own. These require standardization of medical treatment content and systems for survivorship care for AYA. Citation Format: Yuki Kojima, Yayoi Ando, Yuki Nogami, Shintaro Iwata, Tatsuya Suzuki, Eriko Satomi. Preferences for survivorship care among AYA cancer survivors and challenges of cancer specialist-led follow up [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1306.