Special aspects regarding rehabilitation of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients

Background Adolescents and young adults (age 15-39 years) treated for malignancy differ from older cancer patients. Results The following aspects are common in adolescents and young adults: intensified therapy protocols to enable a definitive cure, increased psychological stress due to life crisis in a life period crucial for personality development, and often incomplete schooling or vocational training because of the cancer. These factors require specialized rehabilitation programs that focus on this particular patient group: rehabilitation in group settings (special psychological support with the group as cotherapist), intensive rehabilitation program according to the age-related physiology of this group, and intensive psychosocial information to promote school or professional reintegration. Conclusion Adolescents and young adults with cancer need specialized rehabilitation services that specifically focus on this patient group.