Prevalence and factors associated with high levels of distress in young adult cancer survivors compared to matched peers

Describing and Exploring Coping Strategies among Those Diagnosed with Cancer as an Adolescent or Young Adult: A YACPRIME Study

A greater understanding of how young people cope with a cancer diagnosis is needed in order to inform age-appropriate supportive care. This paper describes the coping strategies used and explores relationships between coping strategies and personal, medical, and psychological variables among young adults (YAs) diagnosed with cancer. YAs (n = 547, mean age = 34.05 ± 6.00 years) completed an online survey, including the Brief COPE and measures of psychological functioning. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were computed. Acceptance, self-distraction, positive reframing, and planning were the most used coping strategies by this sample. There were small (r = -0.09) to large (r = 0.51) significant relationships between personal, medical, and psychological variables and selected coping strategies. Coping with a cancer diagnosis early in life remains poorly understood. Identifying additional correlates and exploring inter- and intrapersonal variation in coping strategy use is required.

Rural-urban differences in distress, quality of life, and social support among Canadian young adult cancer survivors: A Young Adults with Cancer in Their Prime (YACPRIME) study

PURPOSE

Geographic location plays a significant role in the health and wellbeing of those with cancer. This project explored the impact of rurality and social support on distress and quality of life in young adults (YAs) with cancer in Canada.

METHODS

The current research analyzed data from the Young Adults with Cancer in Their Prime (YACPRIME) study. Participants completed measures of emotional distress (10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), quality of life (12-item Short-form Health Survey), and social support (Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey). Rural and urban-dwelling survivors were compared using MANOVAs. Bivariate analyses were conducted to explore associations between distress and social support.

FINDINGS

Of the sample (N = 379), 26% identified their location as rural. Rural YA cancer survivors reported higher distress and worse physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL) than survivors from urban areas but similar levels of mental-health-related quality of life. Social support appeared to have a marginally greater effect on psychosocial outcomes for urban participants. All types of social support were associated with lower levels of distress. However, different types of social support were associated more strongly with distress depending on a participant's geography.

CONCLUSIONS

Rural-dwelling YA cancer survivors experience significantly more distress and poorer physical HRQOL than urban-dwelling survivors. Different needs and preferences for social support may influence the psychological health of rural cancer survivors. Additional research is needed to determine how best to understand and address distress in rural YAs with cancer.

Social Media Use for Cancer Support Among Young Adults with Cancer

Purpose: Social media can facilitate peer support among young adults with cancer; however, information is needed about what social media are used, by whom, and how to inform resource and intervention recommendations. Methods: In December 2021, we conducted an online survey with 396 young adults with cancer, ages 18-39, with any diagnosis ages 15-39. Participants reported their social media use to connect with other young adults with cancer, including frequency of use, type of support, and affect (positive to negative) when using to connect with cancer peers. Results: Participants were on average 31 years old (SD = 5.2), with an average age of 27 at diagnosis (63.4% male, 62.1% non-Hispanic White). Almost all (97.5%) reported using social media to connect with other young adults with cancer. Many (48.0%) used three or more social media platforms for cancer support, including Facebook (44.4%), YouTube (43.6%), Instagram (43.4%), Snapchat (36.9%), and Twitter (36.9%). Daily use for cancer support was common (32.9%-60.9%) among those who used social media, particularly among those who were younger; are not transgender; live in urban areas; or had brain, gynecologic, or testicular cancers. Across social media platforms, young adults with cancer reported seeking and sharing emotional support (88.9%), informational support (84.1%), and making connections (81.3%). Conclusion: Young adults with cancer use social media to connect with cancer peers for support. Commonly used existing social media (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Instagram) should be prioritized in interventions to reach young adults who desire more age-appropriate resources to improve their psychosocial health.

Understanding sleep quality in a national cohort of young adult cancer survivors: Results from the YACPRIME study

PURPOSE

A cancer diagnosis in young adulthood can negatively impact sleep quality. The present study describes sleep issues in young adults (YAs) and analyzes potential demographic and clinical characteristics related to sleep quality.

METHODS

Canadian YAs (n = 359) diagnosed with cancer between ages 15-39 participated in the study. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) items were examined to identify specific sleep issues that occurred 3+ times per week. Logistic regression was used to examine demographic, clinical, and symptom-related variables associated with poor sleep quality (defined as a PSQI global score >8) and sleep medication use.

RESULTS

Participants were predominantly female (87.5%) with an average age of 32 years. Of the sample, 52% had poor sleep quality, 55.5% took >30 min to fall asleep, 32.9% slept <7 h, and 54.6% reported a habitual sleep efficiency of <85%. YAs with poor sleep quality were 5.7 times more likely to report severe distress (p=<.001), as well as 1.8 times more likely to report poorer mental (p = .03) and physical functioning (p = .05). Nearly half (44%) of YAs used sleep medication to help them sleep. YAs who reported severe psychological distress were 2.4 times more likely to use sleeping medication (p = .01), whereas those with a household income ≥$100,000/year were half as likely to use medication to help with sleep (p = .04).

CONCLUSION

Psychological distress is associated with worse sleep quality and sleep medication use in YA cancer survivors. Sleep quality may be a possible target for future research and intervention to promote long-term function and recovery.

Evaluation of the MOVE online exercise programme for young people aged 13-30

PURPOSE

To evaluate the MOVE exercise programme in supporting the recovery of young people affected by cancer.

METHODS

Participants in an 8-week exercise rehabilitation programme delivered online by cancer rehabilitation specialists completed self-reported questionnaires at baseline and after programme completion. Assessments included cancer-related fatigue (FACIT fatigue scale) and health-related quality of life (EORTC-QLC-30). Qualitative data were provided through written accounts of participant experiences and underwent content analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-one participants commenced the exercise rehabilitation programme and 57 completed the programme and provided data for analysis (63% female; median age 22 years). Statistically significant improvements were observed in post-programme scores for all measured outcomes (cancer-related fatigue, quality of life, physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning). Content analysis of written experiences generated ten unique codes. The highest frequency codes were enjoyment (n = 34), motivation (n = 14) and fitness (n = 13).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate feasibility of delivery, acceptability to patients and physical and psychological benefits of a personalised online exercise rehabilitation programme for young people living with and beyond cancer. Further research involving a control arm and long-term follow-up would be beneficial.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

These results support the inclusion of a personalised exercise programme as part of cancer rehabilitation for young people living with and beyond cancer.

Reported Mental Health, Diet, and Physical Activity in Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Young adult (YA) cancer survivors are at increased risk for chronic diseases and face age-dependent stressors that may hinder their ability to maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors. This study examined associations between reported mental health, eating beliefs, and health behaviors in YA cancer survivors. YA cancer survivors aged 18-39 years (n = 225) completed a self-administered REDCap^® survey, including the Perceived Stress Scale 10, PROMIS^® Anxiety and Depression, Eating Beliefs Questionnaire, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Dietary Screener Questionnaire, Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, and demographic and diagnosis-related questions. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple linear regression were performed. Participants were mean 31.3 years old and 3.7 years post-treatment; 77.3% were women. Most participants reported White (78%) or Black or African American (11.2%) race and non-Hispanic ethnicity (84%). Adjusting for covariates, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression were associated with increased added sugar intake (p < 0.001) and eating beliefs (p < 0.001). Perceived stress and depression were associated with reduced vegetable intake (p < 0.05). There were no associations with fruit intake or physical activity in the adjusted models. Health behavior interventions for this population may address psychosocial needs by including a stress management or mind-body component. Further research including direct measures of health behaviors is warranted.

A comparison of the sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial characteristics of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer recruited in-person and online: A Canadian cross-sectional survey

Introduction

Adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer (AYAs) are under-represented in research. The Internet and social media could increase the reach of recruitment efforts but may impact sample characteristics. This study evaluated the characteristics of AYAs recruited in-person at an urban hospital versus the Internet in terms of their sociodemographic and medical characteristics, and psychosocial wellbeing, and offers recommendation for increasing the inclusivity and representativeness of research samples.

Methods

Participant data from a cross-sectional survey of AYAs in Canada were evaluated. In-person hospital recruitment used a registry to identify patients attending ambulatory clinics. Internet recruitment included notices on hospital, team members', and community partners' social media channels, and email newsletters. Independent sample t-tests and Chi-squared tests were used to identify differences in participant sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial characteristics based on recruitment source.

Results

Of 436 participants, 217 (49.8%) were recruited in-person and 219 (50.2%) online. Online participants were more likely: to be white (p < .001), women (p < .001), and Canadian-born (p < .001); to speak English at home (p < .001), live alone (p = .001) and live in rural settings (p = .014); and to be farther from diagnosis (p = .023), diagnosed with breast cancer (p < .001), and cancer free (p < .001) compared to the hospital sample. Online participants also reported higher anxiety, depression, and loneliness (p < .001), and lower social support (p < .001), self-efficacy for coping with cancer (p < .001), and life satisfaction (p = .006).

Conclusions

Online recruitment yielded a more geographically diverse but less sociodemographically diverse sample of AYAs who were farther from diagnosis and had poorer psychosocial wellbeing than in-person recruitment at an urban hospital. Future research efforts should consider partnering with under-represented communities and using targeted and stratified online and in-person recruitment strategies to achieve an inclusive and representative sample of AYAs.

Emotional Distress and Financial Toxicity in Younger Adult Patients Undergoing Oncologic Surgery

BACKGROUND

There has been an alarming increase in the number of young adults diagnosed with cancer. The emotional, psychosocial, and financial distress experienced by newly diagnosed young adults undergoing cancer surgery remains largely unknown.

METHODS

A validated biopsychosocial distress screening tool (SupportScreen®) was administered to patients diagnosed with cancer prior to surgery between 2009 and 2017 in a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center. Patients were stratified into younger adults ≤45 years (YA) and older adults >45 years (OA). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze distress outcomes.

RESULTS

In total, 4,297 patients were identified, with YA comprising 13.3% (n=573) of the cohort. YA reported higher emotional distress, including increased anxiety (33.8% vs. 27.4%, P=0.002), greater fear of procedures (26.7% vs. 22%, P=0.018), and difficulty managing emotions (26% vs. 20.7%, P=0.006). YA struggled more frequently to manage work/school (29.5% vs. 19.3%, P<0.001), finding resources (17.8% vs. 11.8%, P<0.001), changes in physical appearance (22.2% vs. 13.4%, P<0.001), fatigue (36% vs. 27.3%, P<0.001), and ability to have children (18.4% vs. 3%, P<0.001). Financial toxicity was significantly higher in the YA group (40.5% vs. 28%, P<0.001). While income level was strongly protective against emotional distress and financial toxicity in OAs, it was less protective against the risk of financial toxicity in YA. Younger age was an independent predictor of financial toxicity in a model adjusted to income (OR-1.52, P=0.020).

CONCLUSION

Younger adults in the prime of their personal and professional years of productivity require special attention when undergoing surgical evaluation for cancer. Resource allocation and counseling interventions should be integrated as part of their routine care to expedite their return to optimal physical and holistic health and mitigate psychosocial distress and financial toxicity.

A randomised controlled trial investigating the ability for supervised exercise to reduce treatment-related decline in adolescent and young adult cancer patients

Introduction

Exercise is recognised as integral in mitigating a myriad negative consequences of cancer treatment. However, its benefit within adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer cohorts remains relatively under researched, and caution should be taken in extrapolating outcomes from adult and paediatric populations given AYA distinctly different physiological and psychosocial contexts. This study sought to evaluate the impact of an exercise intervention on mitigating the expected decline in fitness, strength, physical functioning, and quality of life (QOL) in AYA undergoing cancer treatment.

Methods

This prospective, randomised controlled trial (FiGHTINGF!T) allocated 43 participants (63% male, mean age 21.1 years) to a 10-week, multimodal, bi-weekly exercise intervention (EG) or control group (CG) undergoing usual care. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included cardiopulmonary exercise tests, one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength, functional tests, and QOL patient-reported outcome measures. Data were analysed via linear mixed models and regression.

Results

While no significant group differences (p > 0.05) were observed, neither group significantly declined (p > 0.05) in any outcome measure over the 10-week period. No significant (p˃0.05) strength or functional improvements were observed in the CG, though the EG demonstrated significant improvements in their 1RM leg press (p = 0.004) and chest press (p = 0.032), maximal push ups (p = 0.032), and global QOL (p = 0.011). The EG reported a significant increase in fatigue (p = 0.014), while the CG reported significant positive changes in anxiety measures (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

The exercise intervention produced superior improvements in strength and global QOL, compared with the CG. Regardless of group allocation, enrolment in the exercise study appeared to mitigate the treatment-related decline expected in AYA undergoing cancer treatment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-022-07217-w.

Prevalence and factors associated with insomnia symptoms in adolescents and young adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly distressing for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer. High levels of distress are associated with sleep disturbances. This study examined the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in AYAs during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified factors related to greater insomnia severity.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

An online survey was administered to Canadian AYAs (N = 805) diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years from January to February 2021.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary measure was the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Univariable and multivariable binomial logistic regression examined demographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with significant insomnia symptoms (ISI score ≥12).

RESULTS

Three hundred twelve (38.8%) participants reported insomnia symptoms. In the multivariable model, severe psychological distress (ie, depression and anxiety; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 28.75, p ≤.001), having a pre-existing mental health condition (AOR = 1.92, p = .03), worsened mental health during the pandemic (AOR = 1.73, p = .02), finished cancer treatment ≥1 year ago (AOR = 1.72, p = .03), and experiencing no changes to schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.18, p = .004) were associated with significant insomnia symptoms. Standardized coefficients also indicated that worrying about possible disruptions to cancer care and being a homemaker/caretaker contributed to insomnia symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 40% of AYAs with cancer reported insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Insomnia was associated with potentially modifiable factors such as psychological distress, highlighting possible targets for intervention.

Peer Support Needs and Preferences for Digital Peer Navigation among Adolescent and Young Adults with Cancer: A Canadian Cross-Sectional Survey

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer desire peer support and require support programs that address their unique needs. This study investigated the need for, and barriers to, peer support and preferences for digital peer navigation among AYA. A cross-sectional survey was administered to AYA, diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15–39, at a cancer center and through social media. Descriptive summary statistics were calculated. Participants (n = 436) were on average 31.2 years (SD = 6.3), 3.3 years since-diagnosis (SD = 3.8), and 65% (n = 218) were women. Over three-quaters (n = 291, 76.6%) desired peer support from cancer peers, but 41.4% (n = 157) had not accessed peer support. Main access barriers were: Inconvenience of in-person support groups (n = 284, 76.1%), finding AYA with whom they could relate (n = 268, 72.4%), and finding AYA-specific support programs (n = 261, 70.4%). Eighty-two percent (n = 310) desired support from a peer navigator through a digital app, and 63% (n = 231) were interested in being a peer navigator. Participants indicated a greater need for emotional (n = 329, 90.1%) and informational support (n = 326, 89.1%) than companionship (n = 284, 78.0%) or practical support (n = 269, 73.6%) from a peer navigator. Foremost peer matching characteristics were cancer-type (n = 329, 88.4%), specific concerns (n = 317, 86.1%), and age-at-diagnosis (n = 316, 86.1%). A digital peer navigation program was desired by over 80% of a large Canadian sample of AYA and could potentially overcome the barriers AYA experience in accessing peer support. The design of a peer navigation program for AYA should consider the matching characteristics and multidimensional support needs of AYA.

Psychological distress and experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

This study investigated prevalence of psychological distress, factors associated with distress, and experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also compared distress in this group to previously surveyed Canadian AYAs with cancer in 2018 by the Young Adults with Cancer in their Prime (YACPRIME) study.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, online, self-administered survey of AYAs diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years of age was conducted. Psychological distress was measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Associations between variables and high psychological distress (K10 ≥ 25), and comparison of prevalence of psychological distress with the YACPRIME study were done using multivariable logistic regression. Summative qualitative content analysis analyzed participant experiences during this pandemic.

RESULTS

We included 805 participants. High psychological distress was present in over two-thirds of the group (68.0%; 95% CI, 64.7%-71.2%). Employment impact during pandemic (AOR (adjusted odds ratio), 2.16; 95% CI, 1.41-3.31) and hematologic malignancy (AOR, 1.76; 95% CI 1.08-2.97) were associated with higher psychological distress, while older age [AOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99] and personal income < $40,000 (AOR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.24-0.58) were associated with lower distress. Adjusted odds of experiencing psychological distress among AYAs with cancer during pandemic compared to pre-pandemic years was 1.85 (95% CI: 1.36-2.53). Overarching themes of pandemic experiences included: inferior quality of life, impairment of cancer care, COVID-19 related concerns and extreme social isolation.

CONCLUSION

AYAs diagnosed with cancer are experiencing high psychological distress during this pandemic. Distress screening and evidence-based interventions to alleviate distress are essential.