Experiences and Preferences of Young Adult Patients With Cancer and Their Romantic Partner Caregivers: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Young adults (YA, ages 25-39) with cancer and their romantic partners experience unique and distressing physical effects and psychological outcomes. While several interventions for YAs exist, few incorporate partner caregivers into treatment and often lack developmentally appropriate material for YA couples.

Aims: Through this qualitative study, we sought to explore unmet needs and preferences for a psychosocial intervention to support YA patients and their partners.

Methods: Between 7/2022-3/2023, we recruited and enrolled YAs who were undergoing or had recently (< 1 year) completed treatment for cancer and their partners. We stratified couples by treatment status. Semi-structured interviews with couples captured experiences with cancer and treatment, supportive care needs, and preferences for an intervention. We recorded, transcribed, and independently coded interviews via thematic content analysis.

Results: Across 20 couples, six themes emerged: navigating challenges together in the relationship; communication changes; adjustment of life milestones; negative impact on sex, intimacy, and body image; use and challenges of social support; and intervention preferences. Patients and partner caregivers discussed challenges, including uncertainty about the future and changing priorities. Couples reported interest in a psychosocial intervention to provide strategies for managing communication, intimacy, and behavioral health.

Conclusions: YA couples experience changes to their relationship and across life domains as a result of cancer and expressed interest for future interventions in this population. A psychosocial intervention for YA couples managing cancer may be acceptable, address unmet needs, and promote YA patient and partner caregiver outcomes in survivorship.