A Descriptive Cohort Study of Adolescent and Young Adult Decedents Known to an Australian Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In Australia, cancer is the second leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults (AYA). In an audit of 76 AYA decedents known to a comprehensive cancer center, most were male (63%), and most had a parent as primary carer (78%). Median age at diagnosis was 21 years (range: 15-27). Median time from diagnosis to first palliative care consultation was 9 months, and from first palliative care review to death, 4 months. Location of death was hospital (41%), home (24%), and palliative care unit (16%). Eleven (65%) of 17 patients who wished to die at home achieved this.