Study Finds Only 1 in 5 Young Adults with Advanced Cancer Receive Palliative Care Alongside Treatment
Today, the American Cancer Society announced findings from a study published in JAMA Network Open examining how often young adults ages 18 to 39 with advanced cancer receive palliative care alongside cancer-directed treatment. Despite a modest increase over thirteen years, less than 1 in 5 received this care in 2023, with utilization varying widely by cancer type, with the highest among patients with lung, stomach, kidney, breast, and pancreatic cancers.
"Palliative care should be integrated into oncology care for all people with cancer, no matter their age," said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society. The authors call for targeted policies and resources to improve access, particularly as rates of early-onset cancers continue to rise.