Aims
Adolescence and adulthood are formative periods for establishing education and career trajectories, central social determinants of health. When a parent or sibling is diagnosed with cancer, young people may experience disruptors that impact developmental pathways. While research has explored the needs of AYA diagnosed with cancer, the experiences of those impacted by a family member’s cancer remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining education and employment participation, goals, confidence and support needs among AYA impacted by a parent or sibling’s cancer, and to identify opportunities to strengthen supports that maintain developmental trajectories.
Methods
A mixed‑methods survey incorporated author‑developed items, validated measures, and open‑ended questions assessing participation in education and employment, changes in goals, confidence, support needs, and suggestions for service development. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Results
Sixty‑one AYA participated (Mage = 17.6 years; 68% female; 92% offspring; 8% sibling). Only half (50%) were fully engaged in education or employment, substantially lower than same‑age peers (81%) and AYA with their own cancer diagnosis (66%). Over half reported changes to education (52%) and employment (46%) goals, with only one‑third confident in achieving these goals. Mental health challenges, limited skills acquisition, and caregiving responsibilities were frequently reported barriers. Only 28% felt highly supported in education or employment, and more than half felt worried about career decision‑making. Participants described needs for emotional support, academic assistance, and tailored career guidance.
Conclusion
Findings demonstrate that AYA impacted by a family member’s cancer experience significant disruptions to education and career pathways, with low confidence, shifting goals, and limited support contributing to long‑term developmental concern. These insights highlight opportunities for cancer clinicians to identify affected AYA early and facilitate connection to educational, psychosocial, and career supports and inform the expansion of Canteen’s Education and Career Service to address unmet needs.