Cancer is one of the leading causes of non-accidental death among adolescents in Canada. The treatment cost per adolescent on the healthcare system in Ontario ranges from $311,998 to $420,354. These costs do not capture the indirect costs such as time spent on commuting to treatment centers that are far away from their communities.

Despite the advances in pediatric cancer treatment which has improved the survival outcomes of young children (<15 years of age), the quality of life among youths (ages 15-19 years) are comparatively poorer. Local and provincial governments in Canada have taken concerted efforts to bring cancer care delivery closer to communities.

However, youths living with cancer and their families are still unable to receive timely and relevant care without having to travel to tertiary treatment centers. The direct and indirect cost of care not only impacts families but also the health system. These unnecessary expenses arise likely because the care needs of youth with cancer are still not well characterized which, in turn, affects the type and quality of care that youths receive from their parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

Therefore, exploring and documenting the experiences of youths living with cancer and the perspectives of their parents and healthcare providers is a critical step towards understanding the existing gaps in oncology care for youths, which can translate into the development of timely and relevant integrated care for youths with cancer within their own community.

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