Concurrent Palliative Care Remains Underused Among Young Adults With Advanced Cancer
A retrospective study of over 67,000 young adults with advanced cancer reveals that concurrent palliative care remains significantly underused. While usage rates increased from 9.3% to 18.3% between 2010 and 2023, researchers emphasize the need for better integration to improve quality of life for this demographic.
Why it matters
As early-onset cancer rates rise, improving access to palliative care is critical for managing symptoms and decision-making in younger patient populations.
Concurrent uptake of palliative care has remained low in young adults with advanced cancers, according to the results of a retrospective cohort study published in JAMA Network Open .
“Palliative care can help address symptoms, support decision-making, and improve quality of life during treatment, yet many young adults are still not receiving these services,” said lead study author Kewei Sylvia Shi, MPH , Associate Scientist, Health Services Research at the American Cancer Society. “We need to get this population the care they need, especially as rates of early-onset cancers continue to increase.”
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