The unique challenges of AYA cancer care in resource-limited settings
Shushan Hovsepyan, Julieta Hoveyan, Lilit Sargsyan, Lusine Hakobyan, Lusine Krmoyan, Alisa Kamalyan, Narek Manukyan, Stepan Atoyan, Armen Muradyan, Samvel Danelyan, Gevorg Tamamyan, Samvel Bardakhchyan, Ruzanna Papyan
Abstract
Introduction Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer represent a distinct group with exceptional and unique characteristics. The survival rates for this age group are worse than in children or adults. Cancer care for this population is a challenge, not only for low-income countries but also for the developed world. This review addresses the unique challenges adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer in low-income countries face. Methods Two individual authors conducted the literature review to present the global burden of AYAs in resource-limited settings. The articles selected focused on AYA care from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Results Among the challenges of managing AYAs with cancer are the absence of national and/or hospital cancer registries, and a lack of adequate infrastructure, AYA-dedicated programs, appropriate psycho-social support, fertility preservation, and genetic counseling services. Furthermore, education and training activities specifically dedicated to the care of AYAs diagnosed with cancer are scarce in those countries. Conclusion Implementing a dedicated AYA program in resource-limited settings will be critical in providing patient-centered care bolstered by age-appropriate infrastructure and comprehensive clinical, psycho-social, and allied health support. It will significantly reduce the treatment abandonment rate, diminish the duration of diagnosis delay, and alleviate emotional detachment and disarray.