Been There, Done That, Wrote the Blog: The Choices and Challenges of Supporting Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the current literature on the provision of support groups for adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer with a focus on the challenges that are faced by these initiatives. The value of group support to patients with cancer and particularly to this age group has been well documented. However, with the advent and increase in popularity of online support options, it is an opportune time to examine the options available to the AYA group and highlight areas that would benefit from further investigation. This article will review the literature on the need to provide support groups to this age group, the available options, and the challenges they face.