KARACHI:
April has been designated as Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month (TYAC). Various factors distinguish this group from the adult and children population. In addition to unique physical, psychological, and emotional issues, this group also faces unique ethical dilemmas. In young adults, there are questions of fertility preservation, body image, and managing relationships during the extremely challenging cancer journey.
Unlike children, young adults can understand medical information and partake in decisions related to their health. They have specific needs and require age-appropriate care but are often overlooked compared to children or adults with cancer. The editors of Bioethics in Pakistan, a much-needed book in our country, remind us about the need to acknowledge the unique ethical challenges pertaining to teenagers and young adults and to use a stepped-care approach to ensure shared decision-making, especially during life-altering and end-of-life decisions.
A stepped care approach means involving this group, along with parents, even in smaller decision-making about their health and ensuring that they feel respected and involved so that they are open to discussing options over more difficult questions. During this TYAC Awareness Month, let us commit to being aware of the unique challenges faced by this group and help them navigate the journey in an inclusive manner. The healthcare authorities must enhance efforts to improve awareness about TYAC to destigmatise it and encourage more people to seek appropriate healthcare assistance at early stages.
Mariam Khan
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, April 27th, 2023.
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