469P - The need of special care for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors: Perspective from oncologists in India

Background

The advancements in treatment strategies for cancer in Adolescent and Young Adults (AYAs) and early diagnosis has led to an increase in the cure rate and an increase in the number of AYA cancer survivors. The AYA patient is defined as an individual 15 to 39 years of age at the time of initial cancer diagnosis. AYA cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing various physical and psychosocial issues which vary from those in older adults. There are very few integrated survivorship programmes for AYA cancer survivors in India and this is a huge unmet need.

Methods

This online survey was directed at oncologists from various major specialties in India, with an interest in the care of AYA cancer patients and survivors. Oncologists practicing in India were sent the survey questionnaire through Google link via e-mail. Data was collected in SPSS and descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

We received 100 responses from June 2021 to September 2021 from oncologists all over India. 85% of respondents were medical oncologists, with 59% working at academic centers. Among oncologists who responded to this survey, 74% reported that AYA cancer survivors comprised ≤ 25% of their clinical practice. Major issues faced by most of the survivors included fatigue, anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, and financial and social issues. Although 88% of the respondents reported the need for a separate follow-up clinic for AYA survivors, only 32% had a dedicated cancer survivor clinic or program at their center. Half of these oncologists had a team of multidisciplinary care providers in their clinic. 58% of the respondents reported that more than 50% of the survivors have resumed their normal life.

Conclusions

There is an unmet need for specialized care for AYA cancer survivors in India. Only 32% of oncologists have dedicated clinics for AYA cancer survivors. There is a need to develop survivorship programs for AYA survivors across the country.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.