Adolescent specific issues
Adolescent specific issues |
| Adolescence is a time of growth and development in all domains – physically, cognitively and psychosocially. A cancer diagnosis during adolescence, at this time of social independence and increased personal decision making, can cause significant social and emotional struggles that may impair the ability of the adolescent to make health-promoting decisions. Other age-related challenges such as forming relationships, deciding on a career path and developing a sense of self are also important to consider. All over the world cancer treatment services and support organizations are paying attention to the issues and supports that are important for teenagers and young adults during and after treatment. This is especially true in relation to their social and emotional experiences and support needs. Please see websites that are available for adolescents and young adults to help support them through their cancer treatment and beyond. For more information for adolescents click here. |
| More information related to working with adolescents with cancer can be found at the links below: |
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Confidentiality |
| As with any young person, the limits of confidentiality must be discussed prior to assessment. Specifically with a child who is still actively involved in medical treatment, it is paramount to address issues such as information sharing with the young person’s treating team, documentation and storage of their information. The links below provide more information about confidentiality: |
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Risk Assessment |
| It is developmentally appropriate for an adolescent to start exploring existential questions around life and death. This of course can be heightened for a young cancer patient. Talking about death and dying is not necessarily an indicator of risk and encouraging this type of discussion with a young person will allow for risk to be comprehensively assessed, obtaining a deeper appreciation of their inner world. |