Health status of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Adolescents and young adults (AYA) ages 15 to 29 years who are diagnosed with cancer are at risk for long‐term morbidity and mortality associated with treatment of their cancer and the cancer itself. In this article, the authors describe the self‐reported health status of AYA cancer survivors.METHODS:The authors examined 2009 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, including demographic characteristics, risk behaviors, chronic conditions, health status, and health care access, among AYA cancer survivors compared with respondents who had no history of cancer.RESULTS:The authors identified 4054 AYA cancer survivors and 345,592 respondents who had no history of cancer. AYA cancer survivors, compared with respondents who had no history of cancer, reported a significantly higher prevalence of current smoking (26% vs 18%); obesity (31% vs 27%); chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease (14% vs 7%), hypertension (35% vs 29%), asthma (15% vs 8%), disability (36% vs 18%), and poor mental health (20% vs 10%) and physical health (24% vs 10%); and not receiving medical care because of cost (24% vs 15%).CONCLUSIONS:AYA cancer survivors commonly reported adverse behavioral, medical, and health care access characteristics that may lead to poor long‐term medical and psychosocial outcomes. Increased adherence to established follow‐up guidelines may lead to improved health among AYA cancer survivors. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.

End-of-Life Care Characteristics for Young Adults with Cancer Who Die in the Hospital

“…1,2 Caught between the worlds of pediatric and adult medical providers, young adults with cancer who are 18-39 years of age are less likely to access optimal medical and psychosocial services, compared to other age groups. 3 While the 5-year survival rates for some common young adult malignancies such as thyroid and testicular cancer exceed 80%, the survival rates for diseases such as leukemia remain less than 60%, with survival rates for some solid tumors even lower.…”

Cognitive and Occupational Function in Survivors of Adolescent Cancer

“…(Dieluweit et al, 2011) The ability to work has been shown to improve cancer survivors' quality of life, reduce social isolation, and increase self-esteem. Spelten, 2002) A recent study reported that survivors of AYA cancer are significantly more likely to experience disability and unemployment than healthy controls (24% vs. 14%) (Tai et al, 2012); however, it is unclear why this disparity exists and what factors may be associated. into adulthood.…”

Barriers and Facilitators of Healthy Diet and Exercise Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Implications for Behavioral Interventions

“…5 Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors, a substantial and growing population, 6 demonstrate poor adherence to these recommendations, [7][8][9][10] which is alarming given their increased risk for cancer recurrence, long-term health problems, and poor quality of life. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] While AYA oncology guidelines stipulate that patients should receive nutrition and exercise guidance, 21 there are limited evidence-based interventions tailored for this group and limited literature on how best to deliver health interventions to AYA survivors. 22 Before designing such interventions, consistent with the Intervention Mapping framework, 23,24 it is important first to identify the barriers to and facilitators of survivors' health behaviors.…”