Life After Cancer in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Adolescence and young adulthood is often a difficult enough time without serious illness. However, research has shown that cancer, and surviving cancer, at this age presents distinctive problems medically, socially and psychologically. This important work offers a glimpse into a previously under-researched area and contributes to a better understanding of the needs of young adults post cancer. Focusing not only on the physical effects, but also the social, cognitive, emotional and physiological consequences of surviving cancer in young adulthood, Anne Grinyer draws directly upon data collected from young adults who have been treated for cancer. The book is structured around themes they raised such as fertility; life plans; identity; psychological effects and physical effects. These issues are drawn together in the final chapter and related to clinical and professional practice as well as current policy.This book presents the voices of those who have lived through the experience of cancer in young adulthood, and links them to the theoretical and analytical literature. It will be of interest to professionals and researchers in nursing, social work, counselling and medicine as well as medical sociologists, young adults living with cancer and survivors of young adult cancer.

'Dr Anne Grinyer's book shows that a cancer diagnosis during young adulthood can seriously affect life experiences and opportunities that don't necessarily apply to those diagnosed at other ages. This book will inform professionals, patients and families, and provides direction for future service provision for survivors of young adult cancer. A much needed insight into the challenges of surviving cancer when diagnosed as a young adult.' – Myrna Whiteson MBE, Chair of the Teenage Cancer Trust'Following on from Young People Living with Cancer, this new book addresses the key question of what happens next. Through the willingness of the long-term survivors who trusted Anne with their life stories, this book provides a unique insight into both the character and quality of survivorship. An essential read for all health care professionals, but also survivors, their families and friends, as well as policy makers. This book is an important contribution to the literature in this area.' – Professor Sue Ablett, Executive Director, Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group'This book is a useful resource for healthcare professionals working with both adolescent cancer patients and survivors, their families and friends, and to all persons who are seeking insight into the challenges, trials and tribulations of survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer. It will serve as a helpful guide to the experiences and needs of this under-researched cancer survivor population.' – Psycho-Oncology

Anne Grinyer is Senior Lecturer in Health Research at Lancaster University, UK.