Adolescents and young adults' (AYA) views on their cancer knowledge prior to diagnosis: Findings from a qualitative study involving AYA receiving cancer care.

Background: Cancer is rare amongst adolescents and young adults (AYA). Previous research has reported (healthy) AYA's knowledge of risk factors and symptoms as limited, with this potentially leading to delays in help‐seeking and diagnosis. Objectives: We explored AYA's views on their cancer knowledg...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Health Expectations Vol. 24; no. 2; pp. 307 - 317
Autores principales: Hart, Ruth I., Cowie, Fiona J., Jesudason, Angela B., Lawton, Julia
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Apr2021
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
fields @attributes:
  recordID: 1
pdfLink:
plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=150025931&site=ehost-live
header:
  @attributes:
    shortDbName: ccm
    uiTerm: 150025931
    longDbName: CINAHL Complete
    uiTag: AN
  controlInfo:
    bkinfo:
    dissinfo:
    jinfo:
      jid:
        13696513
        EVY
      jtl: Health Expectations
      issn: 13696513
      maglogo: Y
    pubinfo:
      dt: Apr2021
      vid: 24
      iid: 2
      pid: 480
      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
    artinfo:
      ui:
        150025931
        148584072
        150025931
        150025931
        10.1111/hex.13170
        150025931
      ppf: 307
      ppct: 10
      formats:
        fmt:
          – @attributes:
              type: T
          – @attributes:
              type: C
          – @attributes:
              type: P
      tig:
        atl: Adolescents and young adults' (AYA) views on their cancer knowledge prior to diagnosis: Findings from a qualitative study involving AYA receiving cancer care.
      aug:
        au:
          Hart, Ruth I.
          Cowie, Fiona J.
          Jesudason, Angela B.
          Lawton, Julia
        affil: Usher Institute, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
      sug:
        subj:
          Neoplasms Risk Factors
          Neoplasms Symptoms
          Health Knowledge Evaluation
          Health Knowledge Evaluation
          Human
          Male
          Female
          Adolescence
          Young Adult
          Scotland
          Qualitative Studies
          Purposive Sample
          Interviews
          Neoplasms Diagnosis
          Neoplasms Education
          Health Information
          Referral and Consultation
          Funding Source
          Adolescent: 13-18 years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: Cancer is rare amongst adolescents and young adults (AYA). Previous research has reported (healthy) AYA's knowledge of risk factors and symptoms as limited, with this potentially leading to delays in help‐seeking and diagnosis. Objectives: We explored AYA's views on their cancer knowledge prior to diagnosis and if/how they perceived this as having affected their experiences of diagnosis and care. Methods: We interviewed 18 AYA diagnosed with cancer (aged 16‐24 years). Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. We undertook qualitative descriptive analysis, exploring both a priori topics and emergent themes, including cancer knowledge prior to diagnosis. Results: Adolescents and young adults characterized their knowledge of cancer and treatment prior to diagnosis and treatment initiation as limited and superficial. AYA perceived gaps in their knowledge as having profound consequences throughout their cancer journey. These included: hindering recognition of symptoms, thereby delaying help‐seeking; impeding understanding of the significance of tests and referrals; amplifying uncertainty on diagnosis; and affording poor preparation for the harsh realities of treatment. Conclusions: Adolescents and young adults perceived their limited cancer knowledge prior to diagnosis as affecting experiences of diagnosis and initial/front‐line care. These findings prompt consideration of whether, when and how, AYA's knowledge of cancer might be improved. Two broad approaches are discussed: universal education on AYA cancer and/or health; and targeted education (enhanced information and counselling) at and after diagnosis. Patient or Public Contribution: Our work was informed throughout by discussions with an advisory group, whose membership included AYA treated for cancer.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
    refInfo:
    holdings:
      @attributes:
        islocal: N