World Cancer Day: Adolescents and young adults facing cancer – a coordinated care approach at the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B)
When cancer occurs during adolescence or early adulthood, it affects far more than health alone. Education, career plans, social life and identity-building can all be disrupted at the same time.
To prevent breaks in care at this pivotal stage, the Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B) has developed a coordinated care pathway linking paediatric haematology-oncology at the Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola with adult oncology at the Institut Jules Bordet, specifically designed for young adults.
When cancer strikes at a time of self-development
Receiving a cancer diagnosis between the ages of 16 and 35 is far from insignificant. At this stage of life, young people are building their independence and making plans around education, careers, relationships and, for some, starting a family.
The disease abruptly interrupts this journey and raises very specific questions: how to continue education or employment? How to talk about the illness with those close to you? What about fertility, sexuality and life after cancer?
These realities make adolescents and young adults a distinct group, with needs that differ markedly from those of children or older patients.
The risk of breaks in the care pathway
The transition from paediatric care to adult oncology is a delicate step. Without appropriate support, some young people may feel “lost between two worlds”: no longer treated as children, yet not fully equipped to navigate an adult healthcare system on their own.
Such breaks in the care pathway can lead to loss of medical follow-up, increased psychological strain and difficulties in looking ahead to the future.
This is why a structured, gradual and person-centred transition is essential.
Care that goes beyond treatment
Today, care for adolescents and young adults with cancer is no longer limited to fighting the disease alone. It also aims to preserve personal, social and emotional balance, and to prepare for life after cancer.
“Care is no longer just about treating the disease, but also about helping patients cope as well as possible with hospitalisation, maintain their balance and regain a sense of future,” explains Dr Sarah Buntinx, lead physician of the team dedicated to young adults at the Institut Jules Bordet.
Each year in Belgium, around 1,700 young people aged 16 to 35 are diagnosed with cancer. According to the Belgian Cancer Registry, nearly nine out of ten now survive — a major step forward. But for many, the fight does not end with remission.
Chronic fatigue, anxiety, and difficulties at school or at work often complicate the return to everyday life. A 2024 Policy Brief from Sciensano highlights that post-cancer care remains too fragmented, even though it plays a decisive role in survivors’ quality of life.
A study published in 2025 in the International Journal of Cancer also points to the long-term impact of cancer on employment and financial stability among adolescents and young adults, underlining the need for comprehensive social and professional support, alongside medical care.
Dedicated support for young adults
Within the H.U.B. network, young adults with cancer can benefit from tailored support, in close collaboration with the Institut Jules Bordet.
This approach goes beyond medical treatment and includes, in particular:
- a dedicated nurse coordinator, acting as the patient’s central point of contact;
- psychosocial support to address the emotional and social impact of the disease;
- specific attention to fertility-related issues;
- access to genetic counselling and clinical trials, where appropriate.
The goal is clear: to provide care that is adapted to each young adult’s age, pace and priorities.
Ensuring continuity between paediatric and adult care
At the Children’s Hospital, adolescents are cared for by a multidisciplinary team specialising in paediatric haematology-oncology. Doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and educators work together to deliver holistic care, attentive to medical, psychological and social needs.
Close collaboration with adult oncology services makes it possible to anticipate the transition and ensure continuity of care without disruption as young patients grow older.
In practice
This care pathway is designed for adolescents and young adults with cancer, from the time of diagnosis and throughout their journey, including the transition to adult services.
Teams at the Children’s Hospital and the Institut Jules Bordet work closely together to guide each patient towards the most appropriate form of care for their situation.sition et d’assurer une continuité des soins, sans rupture, lorsque le jeune avance en âge.
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Adolescents et Jeunes Adultes atteints de cancer _ AJA | Institut Jules Bordet
Inauguration de la salle AJA (Adolescents & Jeunes Adultes) | Institut Jules Bordet
Soutenir les associations engagées auprès des enfants tout au long de leur parcours face à la maladie:
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The Belgian Kids' Fund soutient la recherche pédiatrique
L'Association Jules Bordet | Les Amis de l'Institut Bordet asbl