Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults

This is the second edition of the only book to be devoted exclusively to the total cancer picture in adolescents and young adults (AYA), now expanded from the age range 15-29 to that of 15 39 years. For each of the diverse spectrum of cancers encountered in the AYA group, the epidemiology, natural progression, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options are described, with special emphasis on strategies for early detection and prevention. Comparison is made with management of both younger and older patients, and model programs are presented that address common diagnostic, staging, treatment, and psychosocial shortcomings in the AYA group. Detailed attention is also paid to principles and practices of care, with consideration of psychosocial and quality of life issues, social support systems, rehabilitation, late effects, insurance, and economic aspects of health care, among other topics. The authors make compelling arguments for integrated strategies that allow young adults to benefit from the combined expertise of pediatric and adult oncologists in systems that identify both the complex disease and the social issues specific to this population.

The proposed models of care include relationships with other specialties that do not specifically target this age group, i. e. , infectious disease, endocrinology, pulmonary medicine, nephrology, gastroenterology, thoracic and abdominal surgery, urology, otolaryngology, and neurosurgery. New patterns of communication are advocated and endorsed as essential for productive interaction involving these specialties. References are extensive and are oriented toward users in pediatric hematology-oncologymedical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology, oncology nursing, psycho-oncology, social work, epidemiology, public health and health services research. The contributing authors are from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, France, Israel, Switzerland and Australia, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands. p>

Introduction. - History of Adolescent Oncology. - Epidemiology and Etiology of Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults. - Access to Care Before and During Therapy. - Older Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, and Clinical Trials: Lack of Participation and Progress in North America. - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. - Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. - Hodgkin Lymphoma. - N on-Hodgkin Lymphoma. - Central Nervous System Tumors in Adolescents and Young Adults. - Soft-Tissue Sarcomas. - Bone Sarcomas. - Malignancies of the Ovary. - Testicular Tumors. - Non-Germ-Cell Genitourinary Tract Tumors. - Thyroid Cancer. - Malignant Melanoma. - Breast Cancer. - Liver Tumors. - Colorectal Cancer. - Models of Care and Specialized Units. - Drug Compliance by Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients: Challenges for the Physician. - Psychological Support for Adolescents and Young Adults. - Psychosocial Support. - Health-Related Quality of Life. - Rehabilitation and Exercise. - Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: LateEffects of Treatment. -Ethical Issues for the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patient: Assent and End-of-Life Care. - Access to Care after Therapy. - Information and Resources for Young Adults and Adolescents with Cancer. - Making Ends Meet: Financial Issues from the Perspectives of Patients and Their Healthcare Team. - Challenges and Opportunities The Way Ahead.