Minimum standards of specialist adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer care units: recommendations and implementation roadmap

In 2022, according to the Global Cancer Observatory, >115 000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs; aged 15-39 years) were diagnosed with cancer across Europe. Despite their unique biological and psychosocial needs, AYAs face disparity of access to specialised oncology services, particularly outside major urban centres in the east and south of Europe. Addressing these inequalities is essential to ensuring comprehensive and equitable cancer care. As part of EU4Health, the European Union Network of Youth Cancer Survivors (EU-CAYAS-NET) consortium was established to advance Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The project aimed to develop—with patient organisations at the helm—evidence-based recommendations to standardise and improve care across Europe, ultimately enhancing outcomes and quality of life for all young people.