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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 5/2021

01-05-2021 | Original Article

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

Authors: Breanna Lane, Ken Fowler, Geoff Eaton, Karine Chalifour, Sheila N. Garland

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 5/2021

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Abstract

Objective

Young adulthood can be a difficult period of development and disruption of age-related milestones can impact psychological well-being. This study examined whether psychological distress differs in young adult (YA) cancer survivors compared to their non-cancer peers and identified factors related to high distress in YA cancer survivors.

Methods

Canadian YAs (n = 448) diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39 were compared with age-, sex-, and education-matched controls (n = 448) randomly sampled from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health. The primary measure was the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Groups were compared using independent-samples t tests and chi-square tests of independence. Logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with high (moderate/severe) distress for YA cancer survivors.

Results

YA cancer survivors reported significantly higher distress than their matched peers (24.89 vs. 15.75; p < .0005). In the multivariate model, greater years of education were associated with a decreased likelihood of high distress (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.84, p = .001). Compared with those working, those in school (AOR = 6.81, p = .003) or not in school/working (AOR = 4.13, p < .0005) reported higher distress. Psychological factors associated with high distress in YA cancer survivors included body image dissatisfaction (AOR = 1.09, p < .0005), poor social support (AOR = 5.19, p = .011), and elevated fears of cancer recurrence (maladaptive: AOR = 6.39, p = .001; clinical: AOR = 12.31, p < .0005).

Conclusions

YA cancer survivors experience significantly greater distress than their non-cancer peers. This distress is associated with modifiable factors such as body image dissatisfaction, social support, and fear of cancer recurrence, illustrating key areas for intervention.
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Metadata
Title
Prevalence and factors associated with high levels of distress in young adult cancer survivors compared to matched peers
Authors
Breanna Lane
Ken Fowler
Geoff Eaton
Karine Chalifour
Sheila N. Garland
Publication date
01-05-2021
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-020-05785-3

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