What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore the experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer during higher education and the challenges they face.

January 22, 2026Open Access

Understanding the Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer During Higher Education—An Exploratory Interview Study

Key Points

This research aims to explore the experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer during higher education and the challenges they face.
Conducted qualitative interviews with thirteen AYAs diagnosed with cancer during higher education.
Utilized a semi-structured interview guide for data collection.
Collaborated with patient experts for insight during the research process.
Analyzed data using thematic analysis to identify common themes.
Identified eight themes reflecting AYAs' experiences, including the importance of education and reduced performance.
Grouped themes into four categories relating to participation, performance impact, academic progress, and navigation challenges.
Highlighted the complexities AYAs face in healthcare, education, and social systems, often lacking adequate support.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer often begin their careers later in life and are at risk of negative work-related outcomes. Research into and tailored support programs for AYAs diagnosed during higher education remain limited. An improved understanding of AYAs’ experiences is essential in guiding the development of age-appropriate support programs. This study explored the impact of cancer and the challenges AYAs face in educational participation and the transition to work. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with thirteen AYAs diagnosed with cancer during higher education. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. In collaboration with patient experts as co-researchers, data were analyzed via thematic analysis. Results: Eight analytically derived themes reflected AYA students’ experiences: (1) Meaning and importance of education, (2) Reduced performance, (3) Recovery and expectations, (4) Interruption and delay, (5) Transition to work, (6) Disclosure, (7) Challenges related to the context of students, and (8) Experienced lack of support. The themes were clustered into four overarching thematic categories: Meaningful participation, Impact on performance, Academic progress and career transition, and Challenges in navigation. Conclusions: Our findings provide greater insight into the significance of educational participation for AYAs. AYA students encounter challenges stemming from both diagnosis-related changes in functioning and from contextual factors tied to their roles as students and new starters in the labor market. Navigating the healthcare, education, and social systems is complex and AYAs often lack adequate support when resuming their education or transitioning to work. Tailored support programs in healthcare and educational settings should be developed to help AYAs harness their strong motivation to resume studies, enter the labor market, and achieve their full potential.

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Cite This Study

Boumans et al. (Tue,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6971bdec642b1836717e29a5 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020325

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