Abstract
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with a history of cancer are at an increased risk for late effects from their cancer treatment and have higher rates of long-term morbidity and mortality compared to their age-matched peers. As a result, this vulnerable population needs attentive follow-up care, end-organ surveillance, and secondary cancer screening; however, a history of cancer can often become buried on a problem list or not addressed at all. This case report illustrates an AYA survivor of classic Hodgkin lymphoma who relocates to a new city and establishes care with a new primary care provider (PCP). The PCP's awareness of a prior cancer diagnosis and the previous treatment regimen is a critical component in providing comprehensive care. In this case, the PCP's first step is to reach out and collaborate with oncology providers to gather an accurate treatment summary and then consult evidence-based guidelines to develop a plan of care. Based on the patient's previous treatment with chemotherapy adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine, the PCP orders recommended testing, reviews results, and provides subsequent counseling on health promotion and psychosocial wellness. This case illustrates strategies healthcare providers can use to provide coordinated, evidence-based care for AYA cancer survivors.
Overview
- The study focuses on the increased risk of late effects and long-term morbidity and mortality in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with a history of cancer. The methodology involves a case report of an AYA survivor of classic Hodgkin lymphoma who relocates to a new city and establishes care with a new primary care provider (PCP). The primary objective is to illustrate the importance of the PCP's awareness of the patient's previous cancer diagnosis and treatment regimen in providing comprehensive care. The study highlights the need for attentive follow-up care, end-organ surveillance, and secondary cancer screening for AYA cancer survivors.
Comparative Analysis & Findings
- The study does not provide a direct comparison of outcomes under different experimental conditions or interventions. However, the case report highlights the increased risk of late effects and long-term morbidity and mortality in AYAs with a history of cancer compared to their age-matched peers. The study also demonstrates the importance of the PCP's awareness of the patient's previous cancer diagnosis and treatment regimen in providing comprehensive care.
Implications and Future Directions
- The study's findings emphasize the need for healthcare providers to be aware of the unique needs of AYA cancer survivors and to provide coordinated, evidence-based care. The study suggests that healthcare providers should collaborate with oncology providers to gather an accurate treatment summary and consult evidence-based guidelines to develop a plan of care. The study also highlights the importance of attentive follow-up care, end-organ surveillance, and secondary cancer screening for AYA cancer survivors. Future research could focus on developing interventions to improve healthcare providers' awareness and knowledge of the unique needs of AYA cancer survivors and to improve the quality of care provided to this vulnerable population.