Adolescent oncology: Who cares? - The new KID on the block

The paper reports a case of a 25-year-old male with a new diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia admitted in a predominantly older adult cancer ward. It explores the emerging area of adolescent oncology. Despite the advances of modern cancer medicine in both survival and outcomes, these adolescent and young adult cancer patients are an underserved group. Their medical, physical, psychological, and emotional needs are different and ought to be managed differently, just like pediatric or geriatric subpopulations. Cancer adds an enormous burden to the already turbulent period of adolescence. Cancer incidence in the 15-29-year age group is at least three times than that of those younger than 15 years of age, and it kills more young adults than any disease except depression-induced suicide. The need for optimizing and personalizing care in this age group is highlighted.