Adolescents and young Ontarians with cancer are more likely to receive intense end-of-life care than their older peers, even in situations where it is unlikely to help, a new study suggests — a trend that may be prolonging the suffering of some young patients, according to the paper’s lead author.

On the flip side, the number of young cancer patients who received palliative care before death has nearly doubled in recent years. That’s a positive development, the researchers say, given the crucial physical, psychosocial and spiritual support palliative care can provide.

“In certain situations, even with young people, we cannot cheat death,” said Dr. Mohamed Abdelaal, a palliative care physician and assistant professor at the University of Ottawa who led the study.

“If it’s going to happ

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