Adolescents And Young Adults: Bringing A Neglected Group Into Cancer Research – Health Affairs Blog (ages 7-18rs)

“A child is not a small adult,” but an adolescent is not a large child...."

"Consent and Assent in Children and AYA Cancer Patients
For most IRBs, informed consent can be granted by any prospective human subject over the age of 18.  For minor patients under 7, consent is granted by the parents or guardians.  What to do with patients between the ages of 7 and 18 (or with “intellectual ages” between 7 and 18) is less clear.  While they are still minors and under the care of their parents or guardians, they are also independent human beings capable of judgments, particularly ones with which their parents or guardians may not agree. This is certainly the case when it comes to choosing their friends, making time for school work, selecting extracurricular activities, carefully operating a motor vehicle and experimenting with alcohol, drugs or sex....."