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Purpose: Feelings of excitement and relief upon finishing cancer treatment are often juxtaposed with a time that can be challenging, distressing, and uncertain for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The purpose of this study was to examine whether a mindful dispositional trait was associated with better adaptive outcomes for these young people., Methods: AYAs who had finished cancer treatment (N = 76; mean age, 18.5; years, SD, 3.4 years) completed questionnaires measuring mindfulness, psychological distress, and uncertainty around their cancer experience. A median split was performed based on the total scores for the mindfulness measure to establish high and low mindfulness groups., Results: No significant differences were found between these 2 groups on demographic or cancer variables. There were significant differences between the groups on the distress and uncertainty scores such that the higher mindfulness group reported significantly less distress and uncertainty., Conclusions: The current findings suggest the potential for a broader application of mindfulness to more fully assist young people throughout the whole pathway of cancer care., (© 2015 by Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses.)

Objectives: To review the characteristics of cancer in the adolescence and young adult age group; the medical, psychosocial and behavioral late effects; survivorship care planning and transition; current research priorities; and practice implications., Data Source: Published articles, research studies and position statements., Conclusion: Survivors of cancers that occurred during adolescence and young adulthood (AYA) are confronted with the dual demands of managing their transition to independent adulthood, concurrently with their transition from cancer patient to cancer survivors, with an associated reduction in support from medical services. AYA survivors also face complex medical, psychosocial and behavioral late effects, including fertility and mental health issues., Implications for Nursing Practice: An understanding of the impact of cancer diagnoses among this age group, including survivors' abilities to reintegrate into 'normal' life and potential long term consequences, is necessary to provide the best support. This care and support can be enhanced through multidisciplinary teams who work together to address the medical and psychosocial needs of AYAs diagnosed with cancer., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)