Biopsychosocial Factors Associated with Supportive Care Needs in Canadian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors.

Steven Guirguis,Margaret Fitch,Manjula Maganti,Abha A Gupta,Norma D’Agostino,Jennifer M Jones,Chana Korenblum

doi:10.3390/jcm10122628

Abstract

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) represent an overlooked population in cancer survivorship care. Identifying the needs of AYAs can guide the development of tailored programs for this population. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive analysis to identify biopsychosocial factors associated with AYA post-treatment supportive care needs and unmet needs using data obtained from the Experiences of Cancer Patients in Transitions Study of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, in collaboration with cancer agencies in the 10 Canadian provinces. The analysis focused on data from n = 530 AYAs between the ages of 18 and 34 who had undergone treatment within the past 5 years. Respondents reported a median of two moderate to big (MTB) physical needs (out of 9) and one unmet physical need, two MTB emotional needs (out of 6) with two unmet MTB emotional needs, and one (out of 5) practical need reported and one unmet MTB practical need. We found some common associations across supportive care domains. Income (lower) and more complex treatment were associated with high needs and unmet needs across the three domains. Respondents with a family doctor who was “very involved” in their cancer care had a lower number of unmet physical and emotional needs. Identifying those at risk of supportive care needs and developing tailored pathways in which they are proactively connected with tailored and appropriate resources and programs may help to reduce the number of unmet needs and improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.

Highlights

IntroductionWhile cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death in adolescents and young adults (AYA; defined as ages 15–39) [1–3], the overall 5-year survival rate has improved to over 80% [4], leading to a growing number of long-term AYA cancer survivors
The analyses focused on identifying factors associated with supportive care needs and unmet needs in AYA cancer survivors
This study explored the demographic and clinical variables associated with moderate to big (MTB) physical, emotional, and practical supportive care needs and unmet needs in AYA (18–34 years) cancer survivors who had been diagnosed and treated for cancer

Summary

Introduction

While cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death in adolescents and young adults (AYA; defined as ages 15–39) [1–3], the overall 5-year survival rate has improved to over 80% [4], leading to a growing number of long-term AYA cancer survivors This has resulted in calls for more attention to be given to the ongoing supportive care needs of this unique population and the development of tailored programs to address these needs. The diagnosis and treatment of cancer during early adulthood are variable but can result in physical and psychosocial side effects that may persist after the treatment ends and pose a life-long risk for the development of late adverse effects [6,9–11] These can negatively impact AYA cancer survivors, delay their achievement of important life milestones, and present unique challenges to restoring and sustaining their health and overall wellbeing [12,13]. Undergoing cancer treatment at this age can negatively impact identity development [7,13], including the ability to develop autonomy and build intimate and emotional relationships [7,10,13]

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