While recognizing the potentially devastating impact of cancer at any age, the research findings suggest a distinct effect in adolescence and young adulthood resulting from a disrupted biography at a critical transitional moment in the life trajectory that can have a chronic effect after the acute stage of the illness is passed. An age-appropriate approach to the care of young people with cancer that takes into account the distinct effects of life stage in this age-group can mitigate the negative impact on life trajectories and maximize the chances of adherence and a return to normal life after recovery.

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This article is based on the findings from a qualitative study involving a collection of narratives written by the parents of young adults with cancer. It examines the effects of the illness on parents and family and illustrates that young people aged 18-25 years face particular difficulties when diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The article focuses on how these difficulties are experienced by the parents of young adults who are attempting to maintain 'normality' and perhaps also manage newly established sexual relationships. The article considers the problems for parents, e.g. the ownership of medical information when the young adult is of age but dependent on his/her parents, the effect on siblings and the financial implications of the illness for the family. A gap in the knowledge of professionals and families relating to these effects may result in families believing that the acute problems they face are caused by their particular family dynamics rather than the life-stage of their young adult children.