To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Mitchell et al and the editorial by Cole on comparatively adverse outcomes in adolescents and young adults with cancer.1,2 The improvements in cancer survival, most remarkably demonstrated in children, have failed to similarly benefit older adolescents and young adults, a population with a higher and increasing incidence of cancer.3 Most authors advocate increasing research, networking resources and information, enhancing support for clinical trials and facilitating participation in them. Recently announced funding for a comprehensive cancer-care program for adolescents and young adults at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute in Melbourne is a welcome step towards these goals.
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- 1 Centre for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders; Sydney Children’s Hospital, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031.
- 2 Department of Mathematical Sciences
- 3 Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation; University of Technology, Sydney, NSW.
- 1. Mitchell AE, Scarcella DL, Rigutto GL, et al. Cancer in adolescents and young adults: treatment and outcome in Victoria. Med J Aust 2004; 180: 59-62. <MJA full text>
- 2. Cole CH. Doing better with cancer in adolescents and young adults [editorial]. Med J Aust 2004; 180: 52. <MJA full text>
- 3. Bleyer WA. Cancer in older adolescents and young adults: epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, survival, and importance of clinical trials. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002; 38: 1-10.
- 4. Ritchie MA. Sources of emotional support for adolescents with cancer. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2001; 18: 105-110.
- 5. Michelagnoli MP, Pritchard J, Phillips MB. Adolescent oncology — a homeland for the “lost tribe”. Eur J Cancer 2003; 39: 2571-2786.
- 6. Whelan J. Where should teenagers with cancer be treated? Eur J Cancer 2003; 39: 2573-2578.
- 7. Ewing JE. Are we doing enough for young people with chronic illness? Aust N Z J Public Health 2003; 27: 560.