Sprituality in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
The Need For Greater Research
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. There are over 100 types of cancer that can affect anyone regardless of their gender, race, age and/or social status. Adolescents and young adults (AYA) 18-39 years old account for approximately 2% of the Canadian population with cancer. The AYA population is a new and upcoming population facing the physical, mental and emotional effects of the disease of cancer. It appears that insufficient research and resources exist for this understudied population. Cancer is a tragedy at any age but for the AYA population it occurs at a period that should be the one of most active stages of development, family and social life. The purpose of the proposed research is to reflect on how AYA cancer survivors can use spirituality to develop a better outcome and enhance life. A methodology and research design is provided for the further exploration of the population in the field.
Author Biography
Dr. Donald Oxford York, Monarch Business School switzerland
Dr. Donald York holds the position of Professor of Leadership Studies and Dean of Student Development. Dr. York holds a D.Phil. in Business Research and a M. Phil. Business Research with distinction from Monarch Business School and an M.A. in Counselling & Spirituality from St-Paul University, a college of the University of Ottawa. He also holds a B.A. in Behavioural Neuropsychology from McGill University in Montreal where he also completed a Graduate Diploma in Leadership.
Professionally, he has worked in several hospitals within the Montreal area as a critical care technician within operating rooms and emergency wards where he has been directly responsible for the life support of patients. Dr. York is an active health care professional instructor holding numerous certifications as well as holding the position of Fellow of the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
