Ethical issues in the care of adolescent and young adult oncology patients. Issue 5 (8th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sisk, Bryan A.; Canavera, Kristin; Sharma, Akshay; Baker, Justin N.; Johnson, Liza‐Marie
• Is Part Of: Pediatric blood & cancer. Volume 66:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-01-08
• Subjects: adolescent and young adult oncology -- bioethics -- clinical ethics; Tumors in children -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cancer in children -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27608
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1545-5009

Abstract

Abstract: The diagnosis and treatment of cancer leads to short‐term and long‐term challenges for every patient. This is especially true for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer who strive to gain independence, autonomy, confidence, and social status while developing into adulthood. In this article, we review prominent ethical issues in AYA oncology that are related to autonomy, shared decision‐making, care refusal or abandonment, end‐of‐life care, truth telling, and fertility preservation. Clinicians should recognize that AYA patients develop at their own pace; the onus lies with clinicians to determine the patient's interests, values, maturity, and desire to participate in decision‐making.