By Jim Kelly
A program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is directed at adolescents and young adults who are often being overlooked by Canada’s cancer system that focuses on children and adults.
A study has shown that members of the adolescents and young adults group do not get the specialized care that is provided to children and adults.
And, although the group’s survival rates are increasing, they have not kept pace with improving survival rates in children and adults.
Cancer is different in young adults, said Dr. Scott Sellick, clinical psychologist and director of the Regional Cancer Care Supportive Care program at Regional hospital.
The psychosocial challenges they face are unique and need to be met in unique ways, Sellick said Wednesday.
Sellick’s program offers cancer patients a team of professionals to meet their psychosocial needs.
Click here to read more about the Thunder Bay young adult cancer program.
