Peer-reviewed article
Cancer in Youth Living With HIV (YLWHIV): A Narrative Review of the Access to Oncological Services Among YLWHIV and the Role of Economic Strengthening in Child Health
Ruth G. N. Katumba, Ozge Sensoy Bahar, Kimberly J. Johnson, Fred M. Ssewamala ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001Youth living with HIV face higher risks of developing cancers and other immunodeficiency-related illnesses compared to their peers. This review examines barriers to cancer treatment access for this vulnerable group, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Cost of treatment is identified as a major obstacle to accessing and adhering to cancer care. The authors suggest that economic strengthening programs, such as asset-building savings initiatives, could potentially improve health outcomes, though these have not yet been tested for cancer treatment access.
Key points
- Youth living with HIV have higher risk of developing immunodeficiency-related illnesses including certain cancers
- Both HIV-infected and -uninfected children in low and middle-income countries struggle with access to and adherence to cancer treatment
- Cost of treatment is identified as a major barrier to access and adherence
- Asset-building savings programs may increase financial security and improve health outcomes
- Economic strengthening interventions have not yet been utilized to improve access to cancer treatment
Limitations
This is a narrative review of existing literature rather than primary research, so it cannot directly measure intervention effectiveness or provide new data on outcomes. The review does not evaluate specific economic strengthening programs in the cancer treatment context.
Abstract
Youth Living with HIV/AIDS (YLWHIV) have a higher risk of developing immunodeficiency related illnesses including certain cancers than their general population counterparts of the same age. This narrative review of current available literature describes factors associated with pediatric access to oncological services, and the role economic strengthening could play in improving health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Findings suggest that both HIV-infected and -uninfected children living in low and middle-income countries struggle with access and adherence to cancer treatment and care. Cost of treatment is a major barrier to access and adherence. Asset-building savings programs may increase financial security and subsequently result in better health outcomes although they have not been utilized to improve access to cancer treatment.