Pharmacy Daily | Helping AYA cancer survivors thrive

A team of Australian researchers at Prince of Wales Hospital and UNSW Sydney has launched a groundbreaking two-year study to better understand and address the psychological and cognitive challenges faced by adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors aged 15-25.

The research, funded by a $242,000 grant from the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation, aims to bridge the gap between oncology and primary care by ensuring young survivors do not just survive cancer, but thrive beyond treatment.

Research shows that one in four young cancer survivors experience clinically significant mental health issues, and up to 53% report cognitive impairments that affect their ability to study, work and engage in everyday life.

Many survivors struggle in silence post-treatment, and pharmacists play a crucial role in medication adherence, side-effect management and health literacy.

As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists and pharmacy assistants can play a critical role in the long-term care of young cancer survivors, yet there is currently no structured model to identify those at highest risk of mental health and cognitive difficulties.

The study's final outcomes will provide a structured model to help pharmacists and pharmacy assistants identify at-risk survivors and guide referrals for tailored survivorship care.

"Our research will not only benefit young Australians, it could also have a global impact on the way we care for cancer survivors," said study lead Associate Professor Ursula Sansom-Daly of UNSW Sydney.

"By partnering with survivors, we will create a model that allows for timely access to the support they need, tailored to their individual experiences."

The research team is currently calling on pharmacists to recommend young cancer survivors enrol in the study.

For more information or to participate, contact the Sydney Youth Cancer Service on (02)93825161.