Factors Associated with Quality of Life (QoL) in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer.

Abstract

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 39 years face unique challenges that impact their long-term quality of life (QoL). Physical functioning, relationship status, social support, anxiety, and depression have been associated with QoL in AYAs with cancer. This study explored factors associated with increased QoL in a sample of 392 AYAs with cancer in Canada who participated in the initial Young Adult Cancer Canada RECOVER survey. The EORTC QLQ-C30 was used to measure QoL. Adjusting for relevant demographic, cancer, and clinical variables, the only factors significantly associated with QoL in multivariable analysis were symptoms of depression [Mild (β = -0.420, p < 0.001); Moderate (β = -0.937, p < 0.001); Moderately Severe (β = -1.188, p < 0.001); Severe (β = -2.182, p < 0.001)] and generalized anxiety [Mild (β = -0.244, p = 0.012); Moderate (β = -0.420, p = 0.002); Moderately severe (β = -0.400, p = 0.012); Severe (β = -0.697, p = 0.010)], as well as having completed treatment (β = -0.347, p < 0.001). Age, gender, time since diagnosis, having children, education, income, fear of recurrence, and social support were not significantly associated with QoL. These results support the need for age-appropriate resources to help AYAs manage the long-term psychological impacts of cancer.