‘The shape of our co-operation for AYA with cancer’
The European Network for Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer (ENTYAC) winter meeting took place on 18th February 2025. Seventy delegates began to clarify how key organisations in AYA cancer should work in co-operation to improve the care of European AYAs with cancer across. After setting the scene and objectives, seven experts in AYA field described their programmes of work and outlined their key priorities:
Katie Rizvi spoke about the patient and public involvement work led by Youth Cancer Europe, along with some of their upcoming projects.
Kenny Rodriguez-Wallberg discussed how to predict the risk of fertility issues following AYA-onset cancer.
Ivana Bozovic, co-chair of ESMO, and Owen Smith, co-chair of SIOP Europe, described their collaborative efforts in addressing AYA-onset cancer.
Katrin Scheinemann introduced a new research project focused on the clinical management of late effects, including screening, detection, and treatment.
Simone Hanebaum presented the current European project, Strong-AYA.
Anna Castleton shared the results of a recent survey by the European Haematology Association and outlined its vision for AYA cancer care.
During the afternoon the attendees worked in groups to understand the full range of AYA specific projects which members of the ENTYAC network are working upon , in clinical, research, innovation, policy and advocacy, whether local, regional, national and international. The optimal skill mix was discussed, including psychology, youth work, social work, rehabilitation as well as more traditional methodological and healthcare professional roles. Finally, the groups worked on projects which might link with others to think about what those linkages might be.
The meeting concluded with specific actions relating to collaboration in ENTYAC;
· A password protected members area of the website
· An interests, skills and contact catalogue so that members can link through the website.
· Involve members of ENTYAC in a wider number of projects such as JANE 2 project, STRONG-AYA, and advocacy as these progress over time. For a full summary or to find out how to join ENTYAC, please visit here.