The changing nature of social support for adolescents and young adults with cancer.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore adolescent and young adult (AYA) experiences and preferences for social support early within the continuum of cancer treatment.

Methods: AYAs aged 15-25 years old at diagnosis were recruited from 6 clinical services that were purposively selected for providing specialist cancer care to AYAs across 3 Australian states and within paediatric and adult services. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone 6-24 months from diagnosis.