The Psychosocial Interactions of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors and the Possible Relationship With Their Development

Background Adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 16-25 years old) with cancer may be particularly affected by social interactions, as they can be grappling with a serious illness and normal developmental challenges. Objectives The aims of this study were to explore interactions relevant to AYA survivors and cancer and to investigate whether specific interactions are experienced as more and less helpful. Methods Ten semistructured interviews were conducted with AYAs, with questions pertaining to their psychosocial interactions and any developmental effects from having cancer. Five follow-up interviews were conducted approximately 12 months later, a 50% response rate. Results Thematic analysis identified a range of themes including the importance of personal privacy and controlled sharing of information, independence, identity formation, positivity, acknowledgement of cancer versus being treated normally, and receiving support instead of supporting others. In the 1-year follow-up interviews, half of these themes remained constant; however, the personal privacy, independence, and supporting others themes changed. Conclusions Overall, social support, social interactions, and developmental stage seem to influence the overall cancer experience. Development seems to be impacted by cancer for both adolescents and young adults, but this impact lessened over a 1-year period for the 50% of participants who participated in both interviews. Implications for Practice It is believed that a more comprehensive understanding of AYA patients' psychosocial experiences related to cancer will enable those who interact with this group to provide more positive support through their interactions with individuals.