Universität zu Köln

Weiß, Mara ORCID: 0009-0000-5774-2038, Wilharm, Carolin ORCID: 0009-0000-1102-6028, Hallek, Michael ORCID: 0000-0002-7425-4455, Voltz, Raymond ORCID: 0000-0002-4761-3395, Pralong, Anne ORCID: 0000-0001-8201-2344, Simon, Steffen T. ORCID: 0000-0002-6884-1813 and Tuchscherer, Armin ORCID: 0000-0001-9534-4639 (2025). Facing the cancer-related life threat as adolescent and young adult (AYA) after initial diagnosis: A qualitative interview study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 33 (5). pp. 1-8. Springer Nature. ISSN 0941-4355

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Abstract

[Artikel-Nr.: 411] Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify coping strategies, challenges, and needs regarding the life-threatening nature of cancer from the perspective of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) shortly after their initial diagnosis. Methods: We conducted a qualitative interview study in Germany with AYAs from 18 to 39 years of age, 4–12 weeks after initial diagnosis. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the transcripts were analyzed using Framework Analysis. Results: Eighteen patients (7 females, 11 males, 27.2 ± 5.3 years) were included. The sudden confrontation with their mor- tality due to a potentially life-threatening illness stood in contrast to the feeling of youthful invincibility. One of the AYAs’ biggest concerns was burdening their relatives with the disease and the associated life threat. Many AYAs wanted to support their next of kin whilst at the same time having a great need for support from them. While there were inter-individual dif- ferences in how AYAs dealt with mortality, the most important coping strategy was hope. The attitude of healthcare profes- sionals (HCPs), age-appropriate, individualized education, and treatment progress were important factors in this. Conclusion: Even after a recent initial diagnosis, the topic of mortality can be pertinent for AYAs. Often, a unique relation- ship dynamic between AYAs and their relatives arises which requires further research. HCPs play a central supporting role. Helpful conversations require appropriate timing, a strong doctor-patient relationship, and a sincere, encouraging approach. Further studies, e.g., using a longitudinal or quantitative approach, are needed. Trial registration number: DRKS00030276, 13.09.2022.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Weiß, Mara UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5774-2038 UNSPECIFIED Wilharm, Carolin UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1102-6028 UNSPECIFIED Hallek, Michael UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7425-4455 UNSPECIFIED Voltz, Raymond UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4761-3395 UNSPECIFIED Pralong, Anne UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8201-2344 UNSPECIFIED Simon, Steffen T. UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6884-1813 UNSPECIFIED Tuchscherer, Armin UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9534-4639 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-809807
Identification Number:	10.1007/s00520-025-09466-x
Journal or Publication Title:	Supportive Care in Cancer
Volume:	33
Number:	5
Page Range:	pp. 1-8
Number of Pages:	8
Date:	23 April 2025
Publisher:	Springer Nature
ISSN:	0941-4355
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Innere Medizin > Klinik I für Innere Medizin - Hämatologie und Onkologie Faculty of Medicine > Palliativmedizin > Zentrum für Palliativmedizin Faculty of Medicine > Weitere > Centrum für integrierte Onkologie (CIO)
Subjects:	Medical sciences Medicine
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Adolescents and young adults (AYA) ; Cancer ; Initial diagnosis ; Life threat ; Mortality ; Qualitative English
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/80980