Holderness, AyeshaMagrath, CameronHatcher, HelenCritoph, Deborah2025-06-132025-06-132024-04Holderness, A., Magrath, C., Hatcher, H., & Critoph, D. (2024). "Absolutely No One Else, Other Than Yourself": Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of adolescent and young adult oncology, 13(2), 251–261. https://doi.org/10.1089/jayao.2023.004610.1089/jayao.2023.0046https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14709/108Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruption to the provision of health care in the United Kingdom. It posed two risks to AYACs: disruption of care and long-term adverse consequences compounding late effects. This study sought to better understand the experiences of AYACs receiving care during the pandemic and identify areas where greater support is needed. Methods: In-depth semistructured interviews with AYACs (n = 6), 16-22 years at diagnosis. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the principles of Giorgi's phenomenological analysis. Results: Four major themes and an interconnected theme were identified. Changes to health care meant AYACs were isolated and loss of in-person follow-up caused anxiety (theme 1). AYACs had to adapt to life with COVID-19 restrictions (theme 2). Support during the pandemic came from a variety of sources (theme 3). AYACs reported poor mental health due to a fear of relapse and contracting COVID-19 (theme 4). An additional burden for AYACs was the loss of the third person (e.g., parent) in consultations (interconnected theme). Conclusion: This study has wider implications for delivery of AYAC care, despite being set during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mental health implications will impact long-term care of these patients, and health care professionals must be aware of these to meet AYACs' holistic care needs.enOncologyPaediatricsJournal Article