New Rochelle, NY, September 12, 2012—The life disruption and losses experienced by young adults battling advanced cancer can result in a unique burden of grief that is too often overlooked, as described in an article in Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (JAYAO), (http://www.liebertpub.com/JAYAO) a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. (http://www.liebertpub.com) JAYAO is the Official Journal of the Society for Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology. The article is available free online at the JAYAO (http://www.liebertpub.com/JAYAO) website.
Kelly Trevino, PhD, Paul Maciejewski, PhD, Karen Fasciano, PsyD, and Holly Prigerson, PhD found that beyond the obvious physical challenges cancer presents, this population is at risk for psychological and emotional suffering related to the many ways in which advanced cancer and its treatment may interfere with their educational and career goals, early romantic relationships, parenting responsibilities, and financial and personal independence.
"Patients are grieving not only the effects of their cancer, but also for the life stages and transitions they would normally be experiencing as a young adult, and this article raises the importance of clinical interventions to help these patients cope with the grief associated with cancer-related losses and life disruption," says Editor-in-Chief Leonard S. Sender, MD, University of California, Irvine and CHOC Children's Hospital.
Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (JAYAO) (http://www.liebertpub.com/JAYAO) is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the promotion of interdisciplinary research, education, communication, and collaboration between health professionals in AYA oncology. JAYAO provides a forum for AYA cancer research and practice advances for all professional participants and researchers in care for AYA-aged cancer patients and survivors. Our multidisciplinary editorial board and readership includes but is not limited to: pediatric, medical, and surgical oncologists of all types and specialties; oncology nurses and advanced practice staff; psychosocial and supportive care providers including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers; translational cancer researchers; and academic- and community-based pediatric and adult cancer institutions. Complete tables of content and a sample issue (http://online.liebertpub.com/toc/jayao/1/1) may be viewed at the JAYAO (http://www.liebertpub.com/JAYAO) website.
(Photo Credit: © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers)