To the Editor—We write in response to an article published in November 2023 on digital media that discussed the difficulties faced by local young cancer patients who are receiving oncology treatment.1 We would like to highlight the importance of addressing these challenges and propose solutions to help overcome them.

In 2021, young oncology patients comprised up to 4.1% of all cancer cases in Hong Kong.2 They experience a range of emotional, social, and financial challenges that greatly impact their overall well-being. Neglecting their needs not only strains their relationship with family, but also hampers their ability to effectively cope with the disease. The financial toxicity of cancer treatment, which includes the expenses, indirect costs and lost income associated with cancer treatment, further exacerbates these challenges.3 4

To address these issues effectively it is essential to provide services specifically designed for young cancer patients according to their stage of development. They are at high risk of psychosocial problems and should be prioritised for early integration into palliative care services to improve their quality of life and that of their family.5 Mental health professionals and support groups should be widely available for psychological support. Some medical allowances and social services are provided only for the older adults. Medical-social collaboration and educational resources could improve access by young adults to community support. Additionally, implementing targeted financial assistance programmes and providing employment support will help alleviate the financial burden. It is crucial to recognise and address the obstacles faced by young cancer patients.

All authors contributed to the concept or design, acquisition of data, or interpretation of data, drafting of the letter, and critical revision of the letter for important intellectual content. All authors had full access to the data, contributed to the study, approved the final version for publication, and take responsibility for its accuracy and integrity.

All authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest.

This letter received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

1. HK01. Hong Kong young cancer patients established a mutual aid platform to help themselves as existing cancer support is mostly targeted at the middle-aged and older adults. [in Chinese]. 2023 November 22. Available from: https://www.hk01.com/article/957641?utm_source=01appshare&utm_medium=referral. Accessed 26 Nov 2023.

2. Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong SAR Government. Overview of Hong Kong Cancer Statistics of 2021. Available from: https://www3.ha.org.hk/cancereg/default.asp. Accessed 28 Nov 2023.

3. Evan EE, Zeltzer LK. Psychosocial dimensions of cancer in adolescents and young adults. Cancer 2006;107(7 Suppl):1663-71. Crossref

4. Geue K, Götze H, Friedrich M, et al. Perceived social support and associations with health-related quality of life in young versus older adult patients with haematological malignancies. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2019;17:145. Crossref

5. Zimmermann C, Swami N, Krzyzanowska M, et al. Early palliative care for patients with advanced cancer: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2014;383:1721-30. Crossref