Faculty Collaboration Database

Educational and occupational aspirations of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a qualitative analysis. Support Care Cancer 2024 Aug 06;32(9):572

Date

08/06/2024

Pubmed ID

39105828

Pubmed Central ID

PMC12713732

DOI

10.1007/s00520-024-08761-3

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85200493641 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) are patients diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years of age. AYACS are often derailed from planned educational and occupational endeavors due to disruption from cancer treatment and its consequences. The study objective was to examine how a personal cancer diagnosis impacted AYACS' experiences related to these endeavors.

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of a larger study assessing psychosocial challenges among a younger AYACS subset aged 15-25 years old at the time of cancer diagnosis. Interviews were coded based on responses and were used to develop themes related to educational and occupational endeavors.

RESULTS: Data were collected from 35 participants. Five themes emerged: (1) Pauses in educational attainment had a detrimental effect on educational goals for some participants, but further solidified and sculpted educational plans for others; (2) Although participants experienced challenges accomplishing educational goals, supportive school environments helped surmount these challenges; (3) Participants reflected on rethinking career aspirations, though some desired to pursue the same occupation planned before cancer diagnosis; (4) Participants experienced challenges, including physical and cognitive limitations, upon returning to work; and (5) Participants valued autonomy and normalcy through work and appreciated supportive and flexible work environments.

CONCLUSIONS: AYACS prioritize professional achievement, yet encounter challenges in achieving professional goals. Our findings create a foundation for developing and testing prospective interventions to promote continuance of school and work during cancer treatment when feasible, and proactive reintegration strategies for those who paused professional goals due to cancer treatment.

Author List

Rao P, Segel JE, Bingen K, Devine KA, Rumbaugh CL, Costigan HJ, Dandekar S, Wasserman E, Koehly LM, Blackall GF, Rakszawski K, Songdej N, Verdery AM, Lengerich EJ, Van Scoy LJ

Author

Kristin M. Bingen PhD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Cancer Survivors
Career Choice
Educational Status
Female
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Neoplasms
Qualitative Research
Young Adult