# SUPPORT MY WAY: Supporting Young People After Treatment for Cancer: What Is Needed, When This Is Needed and How This Can Be Best Delivered

## TL;DR

This study explores the long-term support needs of young cancer survivors and recommends flexible, personalized care to improve their well-being after treatment.

## Contribution

The study identifies evolving support needs of teenagers and young adults post-cancer treatment and proposes adaptable care systems based on co-designed recommendations.

## Key findings

- Support needs of young cancer survivors change over time and require personalized, ongoing care.
- Flexible and accessible support services are recommended to match the evolving needs of teenagers and young adults.
- Co-design workshops with survivors and healthcare professionals led to practical recommendations for improved post-treatment support.

## Abstract

A diagnosis of cancer is distressing at any age, but for teenagers and young adults the effects are likely to be more profound and extend far beyond the end of treatment. Recognising and addressing these long-term impacts is crucial. The aims of this study were firstly to identify the support needs of teenagers and young adults aged 16–25 who had completed cancer treatment 1–6 years earlier, and secondly to create recommendations for future practice. We asked 16 teenagers and young adults to share their experiences and then conducted workshops with 8 teenagers and young adults and asked five healthcare professionals to develop recommendations for improved support. Teenagers and young adults told us that the end of treatment was disruptive for them, they felt uncertain about seeking help with the offering of support not always matched to their needs. Support needs change over time with preferences for ongoing, personalised support. Flexible and accessible support services were recommended. The findings highlight the importance of developing support systems suitable for the changing needs of teenagers and young adults, ensuring they receive the care and resources necessary for their long-term wellbeing.

As survival rates for teenagers and young adults (TYAs) with cancer exceed 80%, they are living longer post treatment, yet often experience prolonged health and quality of life concerns. Many TYAs also experience unmet support needs. This study aimed to identify TYAs support needs following treatment at a UK hospital and explore how and when TYAs prefer to receive support. This study involved two phases: Phase 1 involved semi-structured interviews with 16 TYAs, 1–6 years post-treatment, aged 16–25 years at time of treatment completion and examined their experiences of support services, and preferences for future care. Phase 2 consisted of co-design workshops with eight TYAs and feedback from five healthcare/allied professionals (HCAPs) to refine and develop recommendations. Phase 1 findings revealed six key themes: (1) survivorship as disrupted continuity; (2) negotiating legitimacy and relational safety in help seeking; (3) support offered vs. support sought: pathways of referral and self-initiation; (4) emotional readiness as context dependent and non-linear; (5) support as an ecosystem, not a moment; and (6) personalised autonomy in support engagement. Phase 2 findings informed recommendations that emphasise the importance of flexible, personalised, and accessible post-treatment support, with pathways of care/support that can adapt to TYAs changing needs and preferences over time.