Prevalence of information needs among emerging and young adult colorectal cancer survivors.

Abstract

71 Background: The information needs of young adult (YA) cancer survivors have been described, however, the specific needs of YA colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors are not well-documented. Characterizing the distinct unmet needs of YA CRC survivors is important given their unique cancer experience which may include an ostomy, chronic bowel symptoms, and functional deficits. The purpose of this study was to examine CRC survivors’ unmet needs across general, clinical, and psychosocial domains. Methods: An online, cross-sectional survey was administered via Facebook in collaboration with a national YA CRC patient advocacy organization. Respondents (diagnosed 18-39) endorsed areas in which they required more information on aspects of their lives that may have been affected by their cancer experience. Needs were stratified by life stage (emerging [18-29 years] and young [30-39] adulthood). Results: Respondents (n=189) were colon (40.2%) and rectal (59.8%) cancer survivors with a mean current age of 32.2 years (SD=4.6) and a mean age of 30.2 years (SD=4.3) at diagnosis. Most endorsed items per domain included: nutrition and diet (52.1%), complementary and alternative treatments (45.4%), and talking about your cancer experience with family, friends, and co-workers (36.1%). Survivors in emerging adulthood (n=80), compared with those in young adulthood (n=109), endorsed notably greater needs in: staying physically fit (57.5% versus 38.5%), complementary and alternative treatments (57.5% versus 36.7%), and advice/help about dating and intimate relationships (18.8% versus 6.4%). Conclusions: Overall, half of respondents endorsed a desire for information on nutrition and diet, staying physically fit, and complementary and alternative treatments. Differing endorsement rates by age group indicate the importance of tailored approaches. Optimal counseling, resources, and referrals specific to life stage can mitigate the unmet needs of YA CRC survivors to improve health outcomes and quality of life.[Table: see text]