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Dankers PW, Janssen SHM, van Eenbergen M, Siflinger BM, van der Graaf WTA, Husson O. Employment outcomes of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors and their partners: A Dutch population-based study. Cancer 2024; 130:2372-2383. [PMID: 38396253 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this population-based registry study was to examine the impact of cancer on employment outcomes in adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors and their partners and associated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS A total of 2456 AYA cancer patients, diagnosed in 2013 and aged 18 through 39 years old, were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and linked to employment data from Statistics Netherlands, from which 1252 partners of AYAs could be identified. For both patients and their partners, a control group with same age, migration background, and sex was selected. The impact (i.e., causal effect) was estimated by implementing a doubly robust difference-in-differences method, from 3 years before to 5 years after cancer diagnosis. RESULTS Patients suffered a reduced employment probability (3.8 percentage points) and number of hours worked when employed (3.8%). This effect was larger for females, and individuals with a migration background, high tumor stage, or diagnosed with a central nervous system tumor/hematologic malignancy. In regard to employment, no significant effect could be found for the patients' partners, although a 5.5 percentage-point increase in employment probability was found in partners who were either unemployed or worked fewer than 400 hours. CONCLUSIONS A cancer diagnosis significantly affects employment outcomes of AYA patients with cancer. Patients at risk should have access to services such as job counseling to help them return into society in the best possible way. No objective impact on partners' employment outcomes was found; however, subjective well-being was not taken into account. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This study estimated the causal effect of a cancer diagnosis on employment outcomes. Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors face a reduction in both employment probability and the number of hours worked when employed. Partners that were unemployed or worked the least number of hours a year before diagnosis had a 5.5 percentage-point increased employment probability, but for other partners effects are small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polle W Dankers
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Silvie H M Janssen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mies van Eenbergen
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Communication and Cognition, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Bettina M Siflinger
- Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Winette T A van der Graaf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Husson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Li M, Sara G, Roder D, O'Brien TA. Mental Health Service Contact Following Cancer Diagnosis and Associations with Cancer Mortality: Results from a Linked Population-Based Study of Adolescents and Young Adults in New South Wales. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:481-491. [PMID: 38261413 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the mental health conditions, as indicated by mental health service contact in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer in New South Wales (NSW) and associations with cancer mortality. Methods: In 3998 NSW AYAs diagnosed with cancer in 2005-2017, mental health service contacts were obtained from hospital inpatient records and specified medical and pharmaceutical insurance claims. Odds of postcancer mental health contact were assessed by precancer mental contacts using logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic and cancer characteristics. The risk of cancer-specific mortality related to postcancer mental health contacts was estimated using competing risk regression. Results: The prevalence of mental health service contacts in the 5 years postcancer diagnosis was 27.0%, higher than the corresponding precancer prevalence of 21.4%. The most common mental health conditions were depression and anxiety. The odds of having a mental health contact postcancer diagnosis were higher in patients with a precancer mental health service contact (adjusted odds ratio 5.69, confidence intervals [95% CIs]: 4.90-6.75). The 5-year cancer-specific survival was 87.9% (95% CI: 85.8-89.8) for patients with a mental health service contact postcancer, which was lower than the 93.9% (95% CI: 93.0-94.7) for patients without this contact. The subhazard ratio (SHR) for cancer mortality in patients having mental health service contact postcancer diagnosis was 1.67 (95% CI: 1.29-2.15), adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, cancer stage, and precancer mental health status. Conclusion: The prevalence of mental health service contact increased after a cancer diagnosis. Mental health care should be a continued priority for AYA cancer patients, particularly for high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Cancer Institute, NSW Cancer Institute, Eveleigh, Australia
- University of South Australia, Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Grant Sara
- NSW Ministry of Health, System Information and Analytics Branch, Sydney, Australia
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Roder
- Cancer Institute, NSW Cancer Institute, Eveleigh, Australia
- University of South Australia, Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Tracey A O'Brien
- Cancer Institute, NSW Cancer Institute, Eveleigh, Australia
- University of NSW, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
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Collins MKR, Lazard AJ, Dillman Carpentier F, Comello ML, Benedict C, Kent EE, Yu C. Reel reflections: the role of entertainment media narratives in coping among young adult cancer survivors. J Psychosoc Oncol 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38661002 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2024.2337043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young adult cancer survivors (YACS; ages 18-39) report a significant psychological burden. Entertainment media narratives (e.g., books, movies, shows that are produced for mass consumption) might be an effective tool for reducing this distress, although little is known about present use among YACS. METHOD YACS completed a survey about their use of entertainment media narratives to cope with cancer using an adapted version of the Brief COPE. Additionally, YACS reported their use of entertainment media narratives to start conversations about their experience with others, and they described features of entertainment media narratives that they found helpful in coping. RESULTS We recruited 108 YACS from three recruitment sites. Most participants were White (n = 65), female (n = 54), and recruited from Prolific (n = 56), an Internet-based, crowdsourced data collection platform. Participants were, on average, 30 years old and 45 months from the completion of their primary cancer treatment. YACS who used entertainment media to cope with cancer (n = 32; 29.6%) were significantly younger and significantly closer to the end of their primary treatment. Compared to nonusers, users of entertainment media narratives to cope were also more likely to identify as Black; identifying as Black was associated with a 2.05-factor increase in using narrative entertainment media to cope with cancer even when controlling for other demographic differences. Additionally, compared to their peers, Black YACS reported greater use of narratives to start cancer-related conversations. Emotional and inspirational storylines were the most helpful story features. DISCUSSION Some YACS, especially Black YACS, use stories to cope with their cancer experience. YACS patients could find stories useful in exploring their cancer-related emotions, although the exact benefits are still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith K Reffner Collins
- Section of Pediatric Population Science, Outcomes, and Disparities Research, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Allison J Lazard
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Maria Leonora Comello
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Catherine Benedict
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erin E Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Clara Yu
- Section of Pediatric Population Science, Outcomes, and Disparities Research, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Zhang A, Delly J, Meister D, Jackson Levin N, Blumenstein K, Stuchell B, Walling E. The relationship between unmet cancer care needs and self-rated health among adolescents and young adults with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:332. [PMID: 37166532 PMCID: PMC10172720 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07792-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer face unique psychosocial challenges that often impact their outcomes, including self-rated health. To date, few studies have focused on AYA cancer survivors' multidimensional unmet needs of cancer care in relation to their health status. METHODS/PROCEDURE This study surveyed 324 AYA cancer survivors in a cross-sectional design using the Cancer Needs Questionnaire - Young People (CNQ-YP). In addition to descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations, multinomial logistic regressions were used for analysis. RESULTS AYA cancer survivors' daily life needs were found to be significantly and negatively associated with self-rated health, OR = 0.910, 95% CI 0.843, 0.983, p < 0.01, and OR = 0.888, 95% CI 0.818, 0.966, p < 0.01. In addition, the unmet work needs were significantly and positively associated with participants' self-rated health, OR = 1.207, 95% CI 1.003, 1.452, p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS Moving beyond simply describing the unique psychosocial needs confronting AYA cancer survivors, this study empirically identified two specific dimensions of unmet needs of AYA cancer survivors that were significantly correlated to their SRH, both of which should be considered in future service and intervention research to support AYAs with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anao Zhang
- University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- University of Michigan Health Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Joseph Delly
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dalton Meister
- University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nina Jackson Levin
- University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Department of Anthropology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kate Blumenstein
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Beth Stuchell
- University of Michigan Health Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily Walling
- University of Michigan Health Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Medical School Department of Pediatrics, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Aagesen M, Pilegaard MS, Hauken MA, Wæhrens EEE, la Cour K. Users' perspective on rehabilitation interventions for young adult cancer survivors: A group concept mapping study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13734. [PMID: 36218020 PMCID: PMC9786878 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to identify and prioritise rehabilitation interventions to strengthen participation in everyday life for young adult cancer survivors (YACS) between 18 and 39 years, involving the perspectives of YACS and relevant stakeholders. METHODS A group concept mapping study was conducted in Denmark from 2019 to 2020. Online, participants generated and sorted ideas followed by rating their importance. Multidimensional scaling followed by hierarchical cluster analyses were applied to generate a cluster rating map of the prioritised interventions, which participants validated at a face-to-face meeting. Finally, a concluding conceptual model of prioritised rehabilitation intervention for YACS was developed. RESULTS The study involved 25 YACS, three family members and 31 professionals working with YACS. The conceptual model included 149 ideas classified into eight intervention components created by the participants: (1) Treatment and possibilities within the social and healthcare system, (2) Rights and Finance, (3) Education and Work, (4) Psychological problems, (5) Body and Everyday Life, (6) Peer-to-peer, (7) Sexuality and Relationships and (8) Family and Friends. All components were rated equally important, whereby 17 ideas across the eight components were rated very important. CONCLUSION This study indicates that rehabilitation of YACS should be composed of eight equally important intervention components requiring an interdisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aagesen
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Odense University Hospital, Department of Clinical ResearchUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Marc Sampedro Pilegaard
- The Research Unit for User Perspectives and Community‐based Interventions, the Research Group for Occupational Science, Department of Public HealthUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark,OPEN, Open Patient data Explorative NetworkOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - May Aasebø Hauken
- Centre for Crisis Psychology, Faculty of PsychologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Eva Elisabet Ejlersen Wæhrens
- The Research Unit for User Perspectives and Community‐based Interventions, the Research Group for Occupational Science, Department of Public HealthUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark,The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospitals Bispebjerg–FrederiksbergFrederiksbergDenmark
| | - Karen la Cour
- The Research Unit for User Perspectives and Community‐based Interventions, the Research Group for Occupational Science, Department of Public HealthUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
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Bradford NK, McDonald FEJ, Bibby H, Kok C, Patterson P. Psychological, functional and social outcomes in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors over time: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Psychooncology 2022; 31:1448-1458. [PMID: 35734846 PMCID: PMC9544373 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective Most adolescents and young adults (AYA) can expect to survive a cancer diagnosis and treatment, but all will be left with the potential of long‐term negative effects that can impact their ability to reach their full potential in life. Understanding aspects of psychological, functional, and social health and well‐being outcomes, is pivotal for optimising long‐term well‐being. Methods We completed a systematic review of longitudinal studies reporting outcomes after anti‐cancer treatment for Adolescents and Young Adults diagnosed between the age of 12–29 years according to established systematic review processes. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD 42020203116). Results Thirteen reports from 10 studies met eligibility criteria representing 17,645 individuals (50.3% female, mean age at diagnosis 22 years, and 26 years at last, follow up). Eleven reports were from eight quantitative studies that relied on self‐report surveys and two were qualitative studies. Psychological outcomes were reported to improve over time, as were functional health outcomes, although reported health behaviours were inconsistent between studies. Neurocognitive deficits were reported to affect the ability to return to work and impacts on fertility and sexuality were sustained over time. Conclusions While some outcomes for AYA are reported to improve over time, particularly for physical functioning, and anxiety and depression, the long‐term impact of cancer on many important domains remains largely unknown. Specifically, the evidence to understand what changes occur over time, and when, remains underdeveloped. Adolescents and young adults have a long time to live as survivors of cancer, and the negative effects of disease and treatment can compromise long‐term well‐being Longitudinal research is important for understanding changes in outcomes over time While a wide range of outcomes have been studied, the evidence to understand what changes occur and when remains underdeveloped
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K Bradford
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre at Centre for Children's Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona E J McDonald
- Research, Evaluation and Social Policy Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Bibby
- Research, Evaluation and Social Policy Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cindy Kok
- Research, Evaluation and Social Policy Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pandora Patterson
- Research, Evaluation and Social Policy Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Psychosocial Needs and Preferences for Care among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients (Ages 15–39): A Qualitative Study. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030710. [PMID: 35158975 PMCID: PMC8833451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are a unique population: they are a diverse group between the ages of 15–39 years with distinct needs and experience numerous developmental milestones during this age range. Notably, AYAs have faced worse outcomes in cancer care, both with shorter survival and worse quality of life compared to children and older adults. Understanding AYAs’ psychosocial, communication and informational needs is crucial to addressing this disparity and improving cancer care delivery. By hearing directly from AYAs, we are able to capture nuances of their experiences and provide clinical recommendations to healthcare providers involved in the care of AYAs with cancer. This study specifically interviewed AYAs with cancer to understand their perspectives, identify needs and to develop recommendations for cancer care delivery and accommodations across the cancer experience. Abstract Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) require a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care due to their complex biopsychosocial situations and varied developmental maturity. Currently, age and diagnosis determine referral to pediatric or adult oncology, with differing treatment paradigms and service utilization patterns, contributing to suboptimal improvements in outcomes. Understanding the unique perspectives of AYAs is essential to designing patient-centered AYA services. Thus, we conducted six focus groups with AYAs (n = 25) treated by medical or pediatric oncologists to evaluate: (1) the unique experiences of cancer care as an AYA; (2) AYA-specific information needs and communication preferences; and (3) recommendations for service provision, delivery and accommodations for AYAs. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic content analysis and identified six major themes to inform clinically-actionable recommendations and the development of a patient-reported outcome measure: (1) AYAs experience social isolation and loss of independence; (2) AYAs have an uncertain sense of the future and need conversations around survivorship and long-term and late effects; (3) AYAs desire greater control over discussions with their care team; (4) AYAs need additional navigational and social/caregiver supports; (5) AYAs prefer an inclusive AYA space in the hospital; and (6) LGBTQ+ patients experience distinct concerns as AYA cancer patients. These will form the basis for specific and tailored clinical recommendations to improve AYA cancer care delivery.
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