Psychological support and social care

Experiencing a cancer diagnosis and its treatment during the adolescent and young adult (AYA) years has the potential to impact every realm of human functioning. It can significantly disrupt the developmental trajectory of a young person. However, it can also provide opportunities for positive adolescent development and growth. The spectrum of impacts that accompany a cancer experience during the AYA years, from the time of diagnosis, throughout treatment and into future years, are increasingly well understood. However, approaches to care that have developed over time to best support young people’s psychological and social wellbeing vary significantly. This chapter focuses on psychological support and social care for young people diagnosed with cancer. With recognition of the myriad of impacts of a cancer diagnosis during the AYA years, significant international variation in models of care and key principles of youth friendly healthcare, this chapter aims to provide a practical approach to the delivery of developmentally appropriate psychological and social care. This chapter specifically: examines the unique developmental and psychosocial issues experienced by young people; discusses the foundations required to provide youth friendly psychosocial cancer care and; offers a practical approach to care based on the accumulated experience of those working in the field and relevant literature