In 37 young adults ages 18 to 39 with cancer, the first palliative-care visit usually came in the hospital, a median of 196 days after diagnosis

What the research found

A retrospective cohort was published on 10 November 2026. Records from 2014 to 2024 covered 37 young adults with cancer who were followed by a palliative-care team. Mean age was 35.9 years (standard deviation 4.1). Ages ran from 18 to 39. 56.8 percent were female. 43.2 percent were married and 59.5 percent had children. The most common cancers were breast, lung, colorectal, and esophagogastric. The first assessment was during a hospital stay for 51.4 percent and at home for 10.8 percent. Median time from diagnosis to that visit was 196 days. Median time from that visit to death was 98 days. At the first visit, 40.5 percent had no symptoms. Pain and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common when symptoms were present. Psychological support went to 40.5 percent. Palliative sedation was used for 32.4 percent. 62.2 percent died outside the home. Comparisons by sex and by place of death were not statistically significant after a correction for multiple looks. One service, 37 people. DOI 10.1177/10499091261507333. Not medical advice.

Evidence level: Human study. A study in people, but an association isn't proof of cause.

Read the original at American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care