Preferred communication with adolescent and young adult patients receiving bad news about cancer

Purpose: Several studies have investigated good communication practices with adult patients receiving bad news about cancer. However, communication preferences differ between adult and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients. These preferences have not been determined for AYA patients. The primary endpoint of this study was to describe the communication preferred by AYA patients with cancer. Methods: : The study cohort consisted of 15 patients who received a cancer diagnosis at the age of 15–29 years. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and content analysis was performed to analyze the data. Results: : For the preferred communication of AYA patients, 80 attributes were extracted in the following five domains: 1) “Supportive setting,” 2) “Method of disclosure of bad news,” 3) “Information given,” 4) “Emotional support,” and 5) “Support for the patient’s decision-making.” Although more than half of the attributes extracted were identical to the preferred communication of adult patients, some attributes specific to AYA patients were identified that physicians should consider. Preferences specific to AYA patients included mentioning generation-specific social factors, not showing excessive empathy, and communicating in a manner considering their age and cognitive development that supports their decision-making. Conclusion: Although physicians should be mindful of the specific preferences of AYA patients, the basic attitude and communication preferences are similar to those of patients of other generations.