Predictors of Supportive Care in Young Adults Diagnosed With a Gynaecologic Malignancy.

Abstract

Objective: In Canada, gynaecologic cancers significantly impact adults aged 18-40 years, who may undergo multiple treatment modalities impacting their overall well-being. The objective of this study was to understand the individual characteristics, supportive care, and informational needs of these persons.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of N = 50 adults (aged ≤40 years) receiving treatment (chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation) or under surveillance for gynaecologic cancer at a tertiary cancer centre in Toronto, Canada.

Results: Unmet supportive care needs were commonly reported, with more than half of the participants indicating unmet needs in all but 1 of the 5 domains (psychological [78%], health system and information [68%], physical and daily living [54%], sexuality [50%], and patient care and support [46%]). Unmet supportive care needs were associated with a host of psychosocial, demographic, and clinical factors. Notably, for psychosocial factors, low resilience was associated with a higher likelihood of unmet supportive care needs (health system and information [OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.06-8.35], physical and daily living [4.95, 1.69-22.66], and patient care and support [5.91, 1.77-40.50] domains and low perceived information and satisfaction [3.11, 1.30-11.60]). Various other socio-demographic (e.g., non-European cultural origins and other ethnicity, further distance to cancer centre) and clinical factors (e.g., number of treatment modalities) were also related to unmet needs.

Conclusion: Future studies must examine how to best meet the needs of younger adults affected by gynaecologic cancers to improve client-centred, supportive care through early intervention and adequate resources.