Teenagers & Young Adults (TYA)

Cancer is the most common disease-related cause of death in teenagers and young adults (TYA), exceeded only by accidents.  The needs of cancer patients in this age group are different to those of both paediatric and adult patients not only in terms of disease-specific treatment, but also in the context of physical, social and educational development.  Interest in addressing TYA cancer needs has increased considerably since the 2005 publication of the guidance “Improving outcomes in children and young adults with cancer” and TYA services are undergoing major changes with plans to centralise services in Principal Treatment Centres. The Cancer Reform Strategy (2007) specifies the collection and analysis of information on cancer in teenagers and young adults as an early product expected from the recently formed National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN).

To facilitate these reforms, NWCIS was nominated as the lead registry for cancer in TYA.  We will act as a source of information for cancer in this age group, providing intelligence at national level on where, how and by whom TYA patients are managed, and reporting on inequalities related to access to services and outcome.  We intend to undertake studies with other interested groups, which will explore the factors that influence patient outcomes.   

Further information on plans for 2008 can be found in the NWCIS Annual Report 2007. Updates will be published on the NWCIS website.