ABSTRACT
Purpose: To examine the impact of cancer on work and education for AYA. Collect information about AYA's return to work/return to study. Methods: 18 AYA (10 female) aged 18 to 39 (m=27 years) at time of diagnosis completed a semi-structured interview. Qualitative content analysis was used to generate results. Results: 11 of 18 AYA had already returned to work/study. Flexible structures and emotional support of colleagues and managers were reported being helpful. 10 AYA planed or had already reduced job tasks, hours of work or further education. This was mostly compelled by physical disabilities due to cancer or treatment. Most AYA asked for more support within the social insurance system. Conclusions: Cancer often leads to changes in work or education. More social and vocational counseling to support AYA's rehabilitation process seems to be necessary.
Subject(s)
Educational Status , Neoplasms/psychology , Neoplasms/rehabilitation , Return to Work , Adolescent , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disability Evaluation , Female , Humans , Interview, Psychological , Male , Qualitative Research , Social Environment , Social Support , Vocational Guidance , Young AdultABSTRACT
The social support of adolescents and young adults (AYA) has been studied very little. 18 interviews were conducted and evaluated with content analysis (inter-rater reliability = 0.87). All of the young adult cancer patients interviewed reported having received social support from at least two people (family, friends, and/or partner). Forms of emotional and instrumental support were more often reported than informational support. 12 participants described having received nonhelpful support, especially in areas of dealing with their situation, limited social participation, and distancing of friends. The participants considered social exchanges with other young adult cancer patients an important source of social support. AYA cancer patient networking should be improved.
