Transitions Within and Use of Outpatient Primary and Oncology Care in Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult-Onset Cancers.

purposeSurvivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA)-onset cancers require comprehensive cancer surveillance care. Guidelines recommend 1-4 clinician visits annually for 5 years depending on stage and disease. The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with patterns of post-treatment primary and oncology care in a large cohort of survivors of AYA-onset cancers diagnosed within an integrated health care system.

methodsPatients diagnosed with cancer between 2006 and 2020 age 15-39 years were included. Surveillance visits were identified from electronic medical records 2-5 years after diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations with zero oncology specialty visits.

resultsOf 7,925 survivors, 46% were Hispanic, 6% non-Hispanic Black, 11% non-Hispanic Asian, 35% non-Hispanic White, and 65% female. One-quarter had no oncology specialty visits in the first surveillance year rising to 38% in year 5; 31% had 3+ visits in the first year, declining to 13% in year 5. Over the surveillance period, 17% did not have any oncology specialty visits and 6% had no primary care or oncology visits. Those who were male (odds ratio [OR], 1.21 [95% CI, 1.02 to 1.45]), 20-24 years at diagnosis (OR, 1.58, 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.9;

conclusionAlthough the majority of this cohort received either primary or oncology specialty care, our study identifies those who may need tailored outreach for follow-up care. Continued research into development and testing of interventions to improve uptake of appropriate health care for survivors of AYA-onset cancers is critical.