Door: Britta Janssen
Wed, Mar. 3, 09:42
General
GOES – Hospital Adrz now offers young cancer patients age-specific care and support.
‘Every year, approximately 3,900 young adults between the ages of 18 and 39 in the Netherlands are diagnosed with cancer,’ Adrz said. ‘They are in the prime of their lives and often lose control of their lives when they are diagnosed.’ Adrz now offers these patients age-specific care that is related to their medical treatment. This care is based on the question of who they are and what they need during and after cancer.
Mortgage
Adrz’s so-called AYA team, for adolescents and young adults, consists of healthcare professionals who have specific knowledge about cancer in young adults. ‘The majority of all cancer patients are older than 60, which means that young adults are often an exception in the waiting room. This target group has completely different questions, for example about completing their studies, applying for a first job, taking out a mortgage or starting a family. In addition, research shows that cancer cells sometimes behave differently in a young adult body than in that of the elderly. Genetic predisposition also plays a role more often in the development of the cancer. Medical treatment should therefore be tailored as much as possible to this unique patient group. AYA care at Adrz pays attention to these age-specific care needs.’
The AYA team has regular consultations with all healthcare professionals involved in AYA care, such as the medical specialist and social worker. Anja Kluijfhout, nurse specialist at Adrz: “We have been providing care for this patient group for years, but now we also have the right tools to support them even better during the treatment process and afterwards.”
Adrz’s AYA team is part of the National AYA ‘Young & Cancer’ Care Network. Within this network, AYA care providers are supported and trained, scientific research is conducted into cancer in young adults and expertise is shared. ‘Together we are based on the principle: Care, close to home if possible, further away in an AYA center if necessary.’