Reflections on the 6th Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Congress

The Congress was attended by 400 medical, nursing allied health and psychosocial colleagues across the globe. We learned that delegates experienced very varied international practice, however we all had one goal – to address the unique needs of young people navigating cancer.

We networked with peers from other UK charities, as well as those overseas and were able to learn from experts who shared research findings, care practices and generated conversation and debates around ethic, equity and emerging ideas in AYA cancer.

We presented on the Dartington State of the System research and how this has informed our North Star vision for the system. This enabled us to reflect on how we talk about our Shape the System Long Term Ambition and the system North Star.

There were lots of conversations about system approaches to cancer care and we recognised how the UK already works in a much more systemic way than many other countries. We know that there is a long way to go, but acknowledging the foundations we already have, gives us strong hope that we can make the North Star a reality.

We noted that we are leading in terms of thinking about collaborative systems change, and have a real thought leadership role to play.

Other interesting things to reflect on were:

• How AYA with cancer were part of the conference and played a key role in its delivery
• How different countries across the globe categorise young cancer patients – most of those we learned from categorise AYAs as up to age 39 (in the UK young people are categorised as 16–24-year-olds)
• How many countries across the globe are exploring how to use AI to generate better cancer care for young cancer patients
• How cultural context and inclusion is central for equitable AYA cancer care – and what we can learn from the global community in terms of our DEIB and social justice work.

• If you have any questions, or would like to find out more you can email Helen and Rosanna.