Why are a growing number of young people under 50 being diagnosed with over a dozen forms of cancer around the world? This trend is especially worrying in women, according to statistics released in January 2025 by the American Cancer Society, which found that cancer incidence rates “in women under 50 are now 82% higher than […]
The Latest Research on Why So Many Young Adults Are Getting Cancer Read More »
Over the next five years, up to 100,000 people in Ontario will be screened for genetic conditions that increase their risk of hereditary cancers and a condition tied to high cholesterol and heart disease, says Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. In what the hospital calls one of the largest population genomics studies in Canada, the project
It’s been known for decades that breastfeeding and childbirth reduce the risk of breast cancer. Now medical researchers are gaining clues on why and hoping these insights could help create a pill to mimic the protective effects of nursing.
Why do pregnancy, breastfeeding reduce risk of breast cancer? Latest science finds clues Read More »
Introduction: To provide appropriate interventions for young people with advanced cancer, self-reported questionnaires assessing quality of life (QoL) are crucial. This study aims to develop and test electronic versions of two short self-reported questionnaires (for children aged 8–12 and adolescents aged 13–18). Methods: We adapted the paper-and-pencil versions of Advance QoL into electronic versions using the REDCap
Objectives: The assessment of serious illness communication (SIC) competence has, to date, primarily utilized tools that are profession-specific and not explicitly designed using competency-based or person-centered frameworks. To address these gaps, we developed and validated a new tool, the Assessment of Clinical Encounters – Communication Tool (ACE-CT). Methods: We convened a national panel of interprofessional SIC
Purpose: To provide guidance on the recommended management of cancer in pregnant patients. Methods: A multidisciplinary Expert Panel convened and conducted a systematic review of the literature. Results: The systematic review identified 450 eligible studies. Much of the evidence consisted of observational data, case series, and case reports. Recommendations: Management of cancer during pregnancy should be
Management of Cancer During Pregnancy: ASCO Guideline Read More »
Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer often experience high-intensity end-of-life care and low utilization of palliative care. To explore this further, we evaluated the frequency of palliative care involvement and its association with end-of-life care intensity among AYAs with cancer in Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using health administrative databases in
Advocate Angus Pratt explores the pros and cons of patient access to electronic health records and discusses how the emergence of artificial intelligence—with human oversight—could offer a way to navigate this complex issue.
Patient Charts: How to Carefully Manage Patient Access to Health Information Read More »
Background: A successful transition from child-centred to adult-oriented healthcare for survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer is essential to help them engage in lifelong surveillance in survivorship care. Information on their needs and preferences for the transition process is needed to identify key components for a successful transition. Objective: To describe the transition needs and
The world is facing an epidemic of cancer in people under 50. Our health-care system is trying to catch up. The need to better understand cancer in AYAs is more critical than ever, and health-care systems—including ours—have to evolve accordingly.
Why Are So Many Younger Canadians Getting Cancer? Read More »
A Nova Scotia woman with a rare form of cancer is hoping her terminal diagnosis can make change. She says if wait times for the gynecological care she needed weren’t so long, her situation may be different.
Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer often experience high-intensity end-of-life care and low utilization of palliative care. To explore this further, we evaluated the frequency of palliative care involvement and its association with end-of-life care intensity among AYAs with cancer in Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using health administrative databases in
Adolescents and young Ontarians with cancer are more likely to receive intense end-of-life care than their older peers, even in situations where it is unlikely to help, a new study suggests — a trend that may be prolonging the suffering of some young patients, according to the paper’s lead author.
Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer and survivors of cancer in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood are a constituency facing disparities of care affecting quality of life and other outcomes in many parts of the world. In Canada, this situation occurs in a nation with population-based cancer control programs and a government-funded healthcare system.
The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program at CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) has experienced tremendous growth since its inception. This report provides an overview of how the AYA program at CCMB was established and the crucial factors that led to its early accomplishments and continued expansion. These factors included actions and decisions made at the individual
Primary care providers may not see adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors often, but when they do, these two just-in-time tools have been developed to help providers connect their AYA patients to further resources and support.
Primary care tools supporting adolescent and young adult cancer survivors Read More »
Shining a light on adolescents and young adults. In 2023, an estimated 9,000 people in Canada aged 15 to 39 were diagnosed with cancer.1 As survival rates continue to climb, more and more adolescents and young adults (AYAs) will live several decades beyond diagnosis and treatment. That’s good news. But as AYAs with cancer get older,
Life after cancer: Transforming the post-treatment experience Read More »
Recent publications highlight unique needs of young oncology patients and survivors. Every year 2,000 Canadians aged 15 to 29 are diagnosed with cancer.1 In response to the unique needs of these young Canadians, the Canadian Task Force on Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer (AYA Task Force) is pioneering work to investigate and increase awareness
Adolescent and young adult cancer patients Read More »
Recognition of the distinctive challenges in providing care to adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer has grown over the past 30 years in numerous countries, stimulated in particular by groups of advocates who have in turn raised awareness and philanthropic funding while harnessing support from the cancer care community and agencies of federal governments.
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology — An emerging discipline Read More »
Objectives: To develop an expert-group, consensus-based list of system performance indicators to be used for monitoring, evaluating, and benchmarking progress for cancer care and control in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Canada. Methods: A national multidisciplinary panel of AYA oncology experts was convened; they prepared a literature review and undertook a brainstorming exercise to
