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. 2021 Apr 15;127(8):1325-1333.
doi: 10.1002/cncr.33372. Epub 2020 Dec 17.

Quality of life among survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer in Canada: A Young Adults With Cancer in Their Prime (YACPRIME) study

Fiona S M Schulte  1   2 , Karine Chalifour  3 , Geoff Eaton  3 , Sheila N Garland  4
Affiliations
Free article

Quality of life among survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer in Canada: A Young Adults With Cancer in Their Prime (YACPRIME) study

Fiona S M Schulte et al. Cancer. .
Free article

Abstract

Background: The quality of life (QoL) among survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer may be compromised compared with that in the general population. In this study, the authors: 1) assessed for differences in QoL among a national study of AYA cancer survivors compared with the Canadian population and 2) explored the factors associated with poorer QoL in AYA cancer survivors.

Methods: For the current research, data from the Young Adults With Cancer in Their Prime study were used. QoL was measured using physical and mental component scores from a 12-item short-form health status measure. A comparison group was derived from the Canadian Community Health Survey.

Results: AYAs (n = 195; 17.8% male; mean ± SD: 35.62 ± 6.89 years on study, 6.48 ± 5.73 years from treatment) were compared with a comparison sample (n = 665; 21.2% male). Among survivors, 31.8% reported poor physical health, and 49.7% reported poor mental health. Compared with the general population, AYAs had significantly lower physical health (F[1,818] = 52.80; P = .00) and mental health (F[1,818] = 83.54; P = .00), controlling for sex and age. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that an annual income level <$40,000 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 8.32; 95% CI, 2.85-24.30), poor sleep quality (AOR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06-1.33), worse body image (AOR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.14), and higher social support (AOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05) were significantly associated with poor physical health. Poor sleep quality (AOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08-1.38), body image (AOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12), fear of cancer recurrence (AOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.21) were associated with poor mental health.

Conclusions: The QoL of AYAs requires urgent attention. Sleep, body image, and social support may be important modifiable targets for intervention to improve their QoL.

Keywords: adolescent; neoplasms; quality of life; survivors; young adult.

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References

    1. Canadian Cancer Society. Canadian Cancer Society's Advisory Committee on Cancer Statistics 2017. Health Agency of Canada; 2017.
    1. Harju E, Roser K, Dehler S, Michel G. Health-related quality of life in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26:3099-3110.
    1. Fernandez C, Fraser GA, Freeman C, et al. Principles and recommendations for the provision of healthcare in Canada to adolescent and young adult-aged cancer patients and survivors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2011;1:53-59.
    1. Bukowinski AJ, Burns KC, Parsons K, Perentesis JP, O'Brien MM. Toxicity of cancer therapy in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Semin Oncol Nurs. 2015;31:216-226.
    1. Docherty SL, Kayle M, Maslow GR, Santacroce SJ. The adolescent and young adult with cancer: a developmental life course perspective. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2015;31:186-196.

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