Patients consistently rate cancer-related fatigue (CrF) as the most prevalent and debilitating symptom. CrF is an important but often neglected patient concern, partly due to barriers to implementing evidence-based interventions. This study explored what an ideal intervention for CrF would look like from the perspectives of different stakeholders and the barriers to its implementation. Three participant populations were recruited: healthcare providers (HCPs; n = 32), community support providers (CSPs; n = 14), and cancer patients (n = 16). Data were collected via nine focus groups and four semi-structured interviews. Data were coded into themes using content analysis. Two main themes emerged around addressing CrF: “It takes a village” and “This will not be easy”. Participants discussed an intervention for CrF could be anywhere, offered by anyone and everyone, and provided early and frequently throughout the cancer experience and could include peer support, psychoeducation, physical activity, mind–body interventions, and interdisciplinary care. Patients, HCPs, and CSPs described several potential barriers to implementation, including patient barriers (i.e., patient variability, accessibility, online literacy, and overload of information) and systems barriers (i.e., costs, lack of HCP knowledge, system insufficiency, and time). As CrF is a common post-treatment symptom, it is imperative to offer patients adequate support to manage CrF. This study lays the groundwork for the implementation of a patient-centered intervention for CrF in Canada and possibly elsewhere.
Adolescents and Young adults (AYAs: 15–39 years) diagnosed with cancer face unique medical and psychosocial challenges requiring specialized care. This study conducted an environmental scan of AYA-specific programming and services currently offered across Canadian tertiary care centres. Key informants from pediatric and adult cancer centres in Canada reported on program logistics, AYA specialized staff and training opportunities, and collaboration between centres, funding, and specific areas of interest for AYA care such as palliative care, fertility, fatigue, and sexual health. Surveys were completed by 13/16 (81%) pediatric sites and 19/23 (83%) adult sites. Only about half of pediatric sites (n = 8/13) and adult sites (n = 9/19) who responded reported offering any AYA-specific cancer services or programming. One third of centres without programming reported to be working on developing programming. Only 6 sites reported to offer specialized AYA training. Several barriers were reported, such as the need for collaboration among institutions and improvement of oncofertility services. Significant disparities exist regarding geographic availability of services, the range of services available, and the populations served. Findings will guide researchers, health professionals, and provincial health authorities in the development of highquality and equitable services and programs for AYAs diagnosed with cancer across Canada.