Depression in adolescents and young adults with cancer

Prevalence and Impact of Sexual Complaints on Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Sub-Study

Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer face unique psychosocial challenges, including sexual complaints. Despite the prevalence of these sexual issues, they are underexplored in AYA oncology care. The aim of this study is firstly to examine the prevalence of sexual complaints among AYAs with cancer across genders, age groups, and types of cancer. Second, we explore the association between sexual complaints and depressive symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional sub-study included 305 AYAs (aged 15-39 at diagnosis) actively affiliated with the oncology department at Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sexual complaints and depressive symptoms. Sexual problems, distress, satisfaction, and willingness to discuss these issues were analyzed alongside demographic, clinical, and treatment data. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses evaluated associations with depressive symptoms. Results: Sexual problems affected 63.9% of AYAs, 49.5% experienced sexual distress, and 58.4% were dissatisfied with their sexual lives. Younger AYAs reported higher sexual satisfaction than older AYAs. Sexual distress, dissatisfaction, and reluctance to discuss sexual issues were associated with increased depressive symptoms in the univariate analysis. In the multivariable model, sexual distress remained independently associated with depressive symptoms, alongside age at diagnosis, civil status, cancer type, and pain. Conclusion: Sexual complaints, particularly distress, are prevalent among AYAs with cancer and are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Integrating routine discussions about sexual health into oncology care could probably improve mental health outcomes and overall quality of life for this vulnerable group. Future research should focus on targeted interventions to address these interconnected challenges.

Mental Health Trajectories Among US Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer as They Age

Importance

There are more than 2.1 million adult survivors of cancer diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood (AYA) in the US. Although the mental health burden during treatment has been well documented, the long-term mental health trajectories of survivors of AYA cancer into later adulthood have not been explored.

Objective

To understand the prevalence and trajectories of mental health challenges among middle-aged or older survivors of AYA cancer compared with those who received a diagnosis as adults or individuals without cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used cross-sectional data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to characterize mental health outcomes for US adults older than 50 years and longitudinal data to examine trajectories of mental health outcomes. The study started on September 1, 2023. HRS is a longitudinal, population-based national sample that interviews approximately 20 000 participants every 2 years since 1992 on topics related to health, employment, income, and others.

Exposure

A diagnosis of cancer during AYA, defined as ages 15 to 39 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were lifetime prevalence of psychiatric issues, prescription medication for anxiety and/or depression, meeting criteria for Major Depressive Disorder using Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form scoring, depression symptoms using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression measure, and anxiety symptoms using items from the Beck Anxiety Inventory.

Results

A total of 39 668 respondents (22 166 female [55.88%]; mean [SE] age at HRS entry, 59 [0.05] years; age range, 18-103 years; 7699 Black or African American [19.41%]; 28 459 White [71.74%]; 3402 other race [8.58%], which includes American Indian and Asian; and 108 [0.27%] missing) were identified who reported having cancer as an AYA (374 respondents), receiving a first-time cancer diagnosis after study onset as adults (5045 respondents), or never having cancer (34 249 respondents). Cross-sectional estimates revealed survivors of AYA cancer had the highest prevalence of lifetime psychiatric issues (16.36% [95% CI, 7.17%-25.55%] to 37.80% [95% CI, 26.55%-49.06%]), prescription anxiety and/or depression medication (25.10% [95% CI, 17.09%-33.10%] to 33.78% [95% CI, 23.93%-43.64%]), and meeting major depression criteria (13.13% [95% CI, 6.08%-20.18%] to 20.96% [12.91%-29.01%]) versus other cohorts. Compared with adult cancer survivors and even after adjusting for demographic covariates, AYA cancer survivors had higher odds of lifetime psychiatric issues (in 4 of 14 waves), similar odds of taking anxiety or depression medications, and higher odds of meeting major depression criteria (in 3 of 7 waves). Linear mixed-effects growth models revealed age-dependent U-shaped trajectories for depression and anxiety symptoms but significantly higher mean levels of symptoms among AYA cancer survivors. A flattening of anxiety symptoms later in life was only observed for AYA cancer survivors.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, survivors of AYA cancer reported significantly worse mental health trajectories into middle or older adulthood, compared with individuals who experienced cancer as adults or never had it. Cancer clinicians should recognize the mental health burden for this population into middle age and older adulthood.

Antidepressant Use Trajectories and Risk of Discontinuation After Adolescents and Young Adult Cancer Diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the continuity of antidepressant treatment after adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer diagnosis. Clinical guidelines recommend that past antidepressant use trajectories should inform decisions on discontinuation after cancer diagnosis. We characterized AYAs' antidepressant adherence trajectories before incident cancer diagnosis and assessed any association between their past adherence trajectory and the risk of antidepressant discontinuation up to 1 year afterward.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of AYAs receiving ≥ 2 antidepressant fills 9 months before incident cancer diagnosis (index date). Group-based trajectory modeling was used to estimate latent subgroups of antidepressant adherence before cancer diagnosis, using monthly proportions of days covered (PDC) over the nine-month baseline; IQVIA PharMetrics Plus for Academics US claims, 2006-2020. Discontinuation was defined as ≥ 60-days gap without antidepressants within 1 year post-index date.

RESULTS

We observed three distinct antidepressant adherence trajectory groups before cancer diagnosis: recent start (17% of cohort, mean PDC [range]: 0.25 [0.03-0.49]); gradually increasing (36%, mean PDC [range]: 0.57 [0.22-0.81]); and consistently high (47%, mean PDC [range]: 0.90 [0.62-1.00]). Compared with AYAs exhibiting prior consistently high adherence trajectories, those with recent start (HR, [95% CI] 1.96, [1.46-2.63]) and gradually increasing (HR, [95% CI] 1.52, [1.20-1.93]) trajectories experienced about 2 times the higher risk of antidepressant discontinuation over the year following cancer diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Past antidepressant trajectory is associated with antidepressant discontinuation after AYA cancer diagnosis. Attention is needed in the psycho-oncologic care of AYAs who recently started antidepressants before cancer diagnosis.

Co-Design of a Depression Self-Management Tool for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: User-Centered Design Approach

BACKGROUND

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are more likely to experience elevated depressive symptoms than older survivors and healthy age-matched peers. Despite the elevated risk of depressive symptoms in AYA cancer survivors and the existence of evidence-based interventions to address depression, it is unclear whether AYA cancer survivors can access support services. Digital tools are a potential solution to overcoming barriers to AYA cancer survivors' unmet needs for psychosocial support, but they have not been tailored to the needs and preferences of this unique population.

OBJECTIVE

This study engaged AYA cancer survivors and their providers in the concept generation and ideation step of the user-centered design process through online co-design workshops. The goal was to generate concepts and ideas for a digital depression self-management tool tailored to AYA cancer survivors.

METHODS

We conducted 5 co-design workshops-4 with AYA cancer survivors and 1 with providers who serve them. Participants were asked to provide feedback on an existing digital mindfulness course using an "I like, I wish, I wonder" framework. Then, participants were asked "How might we..." questions focused on brainstorming ideas for how the digital tool might work. Participants brainstormed responses independently and then worked as a group to categorize and expand on their ideas. Co-design workshops were autotranscribed using Webex (Cisco) software. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis with additional context provided by the products created during the workshop.

RESULTS

Eight AYA cancer survivors (aged 15-37 years) and 4 providers (2 oncologists and 2 social workers) participated in co-design workshops. We identified 6 themes: barriers to engagement, desired content, preferences for content delivery, preferences for interface, features, and aspects to avoid. Each theme had 2-7 subthemes that we relied upon when making design decisions for the prototype.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-design workshops provided critical insights that informed the prototype development of a digital depression self-management tool tailored to AYA cancer survivors. Key takeaways that were integrated into prototype design include (1) using stories from other AYA cancer survivors to demonstrate concepts; (2) delivering content in brief lessons; and (3) using encouraging notifications, organizational tools, and reward systems to keep AYA cancer survivors engaged with the tool. Some of the themes identified in this study (eg, desired content and features) are consistent with known strategies for promoting user engagement and co-design work in other cancer survivors. However, this study extended previous research by identifying uniquely relevant strategies for tailoring to AYA cancer survivors, such as delivering content in brief sessions to overcome the time constraints AYA cancer survivors experience, providing opportunities for private expression, and maintaining an encouraging tone throughout the tool. These data were used to inform the prototype development of a digital depression self-management tool tailored to AYA cancer survivors.

Optimization of a digital health intervention to enhance well-being among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: Design and methods of the EMPOWER full factorial trial

Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) experience clinically significant distress and have limited access to supportive care services. Interventions to enhance psychological well-being have improved positive affect and reduced depression in clinical and healthy populations and have not been routinely tested in AYA survivors. We are optimizing a web-based positive skills intervention for AYA cancer survivors called Enhancing Management of Psychological Outcomes With Emotion Regulation (EMPOWER) by: (1) determining which intervention components have the strongest effects on well-being and (2) identifying demographic and individual difference variables that mediate and moderate EMPOWER's efficacy. EMPOWER is a five-session online intervention that teaches behavioral and cognitive skills for increasing psychological well-being. Guided by the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), we assign two levels (yes, no) to each of five intervention components (positive events, capitalizing, & gratitude; mindfulness; positive reappraisal; personal strengths & goal-setting; acts of kindness), allowing us to evaluate the effects of individual and combined intervention components on positive affect in a full factorial design. Post-treatment AYA cancer survivors (N = 352) are recruited from participating NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers and randomized to one of 32 experimental conditions. Our primary outcome is positive affect; potential mediating and moderating variables include coping self-efficacy and emotional support, respectively. Upon trial completion, we will have an optimized, digital health intervention to enhance psychological well-being among AYA cancer survivors. EMPOWER will be scalable and primed for a large, multi-site trial among AYAs who would otherwise not have access to supportive care interventions to manage distress and enhance well-being.

Breaking barriers: a commentary on research gaps in cancer and depression among individuals with intellectual disabilities

The European Commission's Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 aims to ensure equal opportunities and rights for all individuals, including those with intellectual disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities are often underrepresented in cancer prevention and screening policies, leading to disparities in health outcomes and early mortality. The intersection of intellectual disability, cancer, and depression represents an underexplored area in healthcare research. Individuals with intellectual disability diagnosed with both cancer and depression face compounded challenges impacting their quality of life, proper access to medical care, and treatment outcomes. To address these gaps in the systems globally, a focused effort is indispensable to understand their unique needs and better tailor care strategies for this target group. Therefore, this commentary outlines the challenges in researching individuals with intellectual disabilities who have a dual diagnosis of cancer and depression. Challenges include providing informed consent, ethical researcher-participant relationships, and maintaining confidentiality and autonomy. Strategies for improvement include creating accessible procedures, raising awareness, and involving individuals with intellectual disabilities in research ethics committees.

Social health, activity behaviors, and quality of life among young adult cancer survivors: Protocol for a prospective observational study

Approximately 85,000 adolescent and young adults (AYAs; age 15-39) are diagnosed with cancer in the United States annually. Experiencing a cancer diagnosis as an AYA can substantially impact social connections and social health. This paper describes the design and protocol of an observational study to prospectively assess social health and its association with physical activity and quality of life among AYAs after a cancer diagnosis. The study uses a longitudinal observational design to prospectively explore the relationships between social health and activity behaviors (physical activity and sedentary time) at four clinically significant timepoints over the course of 12 months among AYAs newly diagnosed with cancer. Patients are recruited at three hospitals and surveyed at each time period. Multiple dimensions of social health are assessed including social support, social roles, loneliness, social anxiety, and social networks. A wrist accelerometer is worn for one week at each assessment period. Change in social network structures will be analyzed using egocentric social network analysis. Structural equation models will be fitted to analyze the relationship between social constructs and physical activity. Findings from this study will address gaps in our understanding of the impact of a cancer diagnosis on multiple dimensions of social health for AYAs and the potential role social factors play in physical activity and quality of life. Understanding these processes will inform age-tailored interventions to improve health and quality of life outcomes for this at-risk population.

Helping adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer manage identity distress: Enhancing clinician-AYA patient communication to promote identity development

OBJECTIVE

A cancer diagnosis during adolescence and young adulthood (AYA) disrupts AYAs' identity formation, a critical task for healthy development, and contributes to psychological distress called identity distress. Clinical communication is central to promoting AYAs' healthy identity development. We sought to identify aspects of clinician-diagnosed AYA communication that can promote AYAs' identity development and potentially buffer them from distress.

METHODS

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with two groups (AYA oncology clinicians and diagnosed AYAs). Transcripts were thematically analyzed to capture communication that clinicians and AYAs perceive promotes AYAs' identity development and buffers related distress.

RESULTS

Fourteen diagnosed AYAs and 7 clinicians identified three clinician- or AYA-led communication approaches and associated strategies that they perceive can buffer identity distress and promote identity development: 1) clinicians' using person-centered communication (e.g., empathic communication); 2) promoting AYAs' control/self-management of care (e.g., not dictating AYAs' behavior); and 3) prioritizing/seeing the person behind the patient (e.g., knowing the AYA as a person).

CONCLUSION/PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Both AYA oncology clinicians and diagnosed AYAs can communicate in ways that protect AYAs' identity development and related psychological well-being. Findings can be implemented into targeted communication skills interventions to teach health-promoting behavior and augment AYAs' psychosocial oncology care.

Sexual health and emotional wellbeing of patients with haematological malignancies: general review

Sexual health is an important aspect of a person's life. Many patients and haematologists believe that intimacy and sexuality issues are substantial during cancer treatment. The haematological cancer disease, diagnosis, shock of the announcement, treatment, and follow-up appointments, can all have negative effects on the quality of life of patients, their partners, other family members, and friends. Addressing the intimate aspects of patients' lives not only enhances their wellbeing but also contributes to the quality of their survivorship. Progress has been made in the management of sexual life-related complications; however, novel strategies in coordination with a multidisciplinary team need to be implemented. New and comprehensive approaches must be developed on a multidisciplinary scale. In this Series paper, we discuss the factors affecting the sexual life of patients with haematological malignancies, different methods to assess sexual function, as well as management approaches of sexual wellbeing among patients with haematological cancers.

Fulfilling the Role of a Parent While Undergoing Treatment for Cancer: A Review of the Literature and the Potential Impact of Childcare Support on Cancer Outcomes

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Despite the efficacy of chemotherapy, AYA patients contend with psychosocial challenges, including psychological distress and financial toxicity, exacerbated further by those with dependent children. Parenting responsibilities intersect with cancer care, impacting both family dynamics and treatment adherence. Despite recognized needs, however, the impact of parenting concerns or even parenting status and the presence of dependents has not been systematically addressed and there is a paucity of interventional research regarding patients with cancer as concomitant caregivers. A feasibility study conducted by the Brown University Oncology Cooperative Group demonstrated the potential benefits of providing financial assistance for childcare, both improving treatment adherence and reducing distress among participants. Similar interventions have shown promise in addressing financial hardships for AYA patients with cancer who are concomitant caregivers. Ultimately, parenting concerns have a significant impact on medical decision-making, and further interventional research on childcare support is required to examine the ways in which health systems can improve family stability, stress, and quality of life.

Antidepressant Prescribing Practices of Pediatric Palliative Care Providers

Background: Mental health diagnoses can co-occur with complex medical illness in pediatric patients. Pediatricians may not feel comfortable with managing psychopharmacology for patients and access to child psychiatrists can be limited. Palliative care (PC) providers follow patients with serious illness longitudinally to address burdensome symptoms that affect quality of life and may be responsible for evaluation and treatment of mental health concerns; however, education in managing psychologic distress for pediatric palliative care (PPC) providers is limited. Objective: This study seeks to describe the antidepressant prescribing practices of PPC providers and describe their level of training and comfort in assessing for anxiety and depression and prescribing psychotropic medications. Methods: An electronic survey approved by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine was distributed nationally to PPC providers. Results: A total of 58 providers responded to the survey (response rate 12.3%). Most reported prescribing a variety of antidepressants (79%). Very few used formal assessment tools to screen for depression (7%) or anxiety (16%). Less than a third of providers consulted child psychiatry before prescribing antidepressants (29%). More than half of providers (54.5%) had no formal training in assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression in pediatric patients. Despite this, many providers (70%) reported feeling comfortable in prescribing antidepressants while also endorsing interest in more training for behavioral health evaluation and treatment (82.5%). Conclusions: Limited training in assessing mental health concerns, prescribing, and managing psychopharmacology suggests an opportunity for more targeted education for pediatric PC providers regarding antidepressant prescribing practices.

Improving symptom management for survivors of young adult cancer: rationale and study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Young adult (YA) cancer survivors are a growing, yet underserved population who often face significant and long-lasting cancer-related physical (e.g., pain, fatigue) and emotional (e.g., psychological distress) symptoms. Post-treatment symptoms can persist, disrupting YA's abilities to complete goals consistent with their developmental stage (e.g., completing their education, achieving autonomy and independence, building their careers, establishing peer and romantic relationships, building their families). While symptom management has been identified as a significant issue in YA's transitions to survivorship, the symptom management needs of this population largely go unmet.

METHODS

We developed an eight-session, group-based behavioral intervention that is delivered using videoconferencing to address the unique symptom management needs of YA cancer survivors. The intervention was developed in conjunction with YA survivors, leading to the novel combination of traditional behavioral symptom coping strategies, home-based physical activity, strategies from contemporary cognitive-behavioral approaches (e.g., those derived from acceptance and commitment therapy, strategies to foster self-compassion), concepts from meaning centered psychotherapy, and behavioral strategies to improve communication and health care engagement. Participants receive printed intervention materials and access to a study-specific mobile application, both of which are used throughout the program. Herein, we report on a pilot study that is in progress. Recruitment has been completed. YA cancer survivors were recruited in cohorts of n = 10 or n = 11 (n = 61) and randomized to the intervention or waitlist control arms. All participants completed a baseline assessment and four additional assessments over 1 year, with each involving a battery of self-report measures.

DISCUSSION

The primary objective is to evaluate intervention feasibility and acceptability. As a secondary objective, we will examine patterns of change in intervention targets (i.e., pain, fatigue, emotional distress, symptom interference). Changes from baseline among intervention targets will be estimated for each patient and compared between arms using unadjusted statistical testing. Unadjusted and adjusted multilevel modeling will be used to estimate the effect of the intervention on changes in intervention targets. Interaction models will be used to compare the trajectory of change over time between arms. We expect that this pilot trial will inform our future approach to identify, recruit, and retain participants and provide preliminary data to support a larger, fully powered randomized controlled trial evaluating the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04035447 at clinicaltrials.gov; registered July 29, 2019.

Health-related conditions among long-term cancer survivors diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood (AYA): results of the SURVAYA study

BACKGROUND

With 5-year survival rates > 85%, gaining insight into the long-term and late health-related conditions of cancer survivors diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood is of utmost importance to improve their quantity and quality of survival. This study examined the prevalence of and factors associated with, patient-reported health-related conditions and their latency times among long-term adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors.

METHODS

AYA cancer survivors (5-20 years after diagnosis) were identified by the population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR), and invited to participate in the SURVAYA questionnaire study. Participants reported the prevalence and date of diagnosis of health-related conditions. Clinical data were retrieved from the NCR.

RESULTS

Three thousand seven hundred seventy-six AYA cancer survivors (response rate 33.4%) were included for analyses. More than half of the AYAs (58.5%) experienced health-related conditions after their cancer diagnosis, of whom 51.4% were diagnosed with two or more conditions. Participants reported conditions related to vision (15.0%), digestive system (15.0%), endocrine system (14.1%), cardiovascular system (11.7%), respiratory system (11.3%), urinary tract system (10.9%), depression (8.6%), hearing (7.4%), arthrosis (6.9%), secondary malignancy (6.4%), speech-, taste and smell (4.5%), and rheumatoid arthritis (2.1%). Time since diagnosis, tumor type, age at diagnosis, and educational level were most frequently associated with a health-related condition.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of long-term AYA cancer survivors report having one or more health-related conditions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Future research should focus on better understanding the underlying mechanisms of, and risk factors for, these health-related conditions to support the development and implementation of risk-stratified survivorship care for AYA cancer survivors to further improve their outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT05379387.

Depressive symptoms and oral mucositis in children with oncological diseases: a cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between depressive symptoms and the occurrence of oral mucositis in children with oncological diseases treated at a reference hospital. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with individuals aged 4 to 18 years, diagnosed with primary neoplasms. Data was collected by using a questionnaire that assessed the degree of oral mucositis according to the World Health Organization index, the risk of oral mucositis according to the Child's International Mucositis Evaluation Scale, and depressive symptoms using the Children's Depression Inventory. The data were analyzed and subjected to Spearman's correlation, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test, considering p<0.05. A statistically significant correlation was observed between depressive symptoms and the degree of oral mucositis (p = 0.044), and also between the "pain" variable within the risk of oral mucositis and depressive symptoms (p = 0.021). Based on the findings, it can be inferred that oral mucositis may be associated with the development of depressive symptoms and may be influenced by the individual's hospitalization, thereby affecting the quality of life of pediatric patients.

Fostering resilience in adolescence and young adulthood: Considerations for evidence-based, patient-centered oncology care

Adolescence and young adulthood are times of growth and change. For adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who are diagnosed with cancer, the demands of illness may compound normal developmental challenges and adversely affect physical, emotional, and social health. Nevertheless, AYAs have a tremendous capacity for psychosocial adaptation and resilience. Informed by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, observational studies in AYA oncology suggest consistent individual, social, and existential resources that may promote resilience. To date, few interventions have been designed to examine whether resilience can be taught and whether doing so affects patient-centered outcomes. Findings point to the potential value of multicomponent programs that include various skills-building strategies, such as stress management, mindfulness, gratitude, and positive reappraisal coping, among others. New research directions include the need to evaluate delivery strategies to enhance participant adherence and retention (e.g., eHealth modalities, optimization studies) and to examine program effectiveness in community-based oncology practices (e.g., less resource-rich settings in which most AYAs receive care). Ultimately, this scholarship may inform, refine, and strengthen intervention science in resilience more broadly.

Exploring Web-Based Information and Resources That Support Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer to Resume Study and Work: Environmental Scan Study

BACKGROUND

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer experience physical, cognitive, and psychosocial effects from cancer treatment that can negatively affect their ability to remain engaged in education or work through cancer treatment and in the long term. Disengagement from education or work can have lasting implications for AYAs' financial independence, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life. Australian AYAs with cancer lack access to adequate specialist support for their education and work needs and report a preference for web-based support that they can access from anywhere, in their own time. However, it remains unclear what web-based resources exist that are tailored to support AYAs with cancer in reaching their educational or work goals.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine what web-based resources exist for Australian AYAs with cancer to (1) support return to education or work and (2) identify the degree to which existing resources are age-specific, cancer-specific, culturally inclusive, and evidence-based; are co-designed with AYAs; use age-appropriate language; and are easy to find.

METHODS

We conducted an environmental scan by searching Google with English search terms in August 2022 to identify information resources about employment and education for AYAs ever diagnosed with cancer. Data extraction was conducted in Microsoft Excel, and the following were assessed: understandability and actionability (using the Patient Education and Materials Tool), readability (using the Sydney Health Literacy Laboratory Health Literacy Editor), and whether the resource was easy to locate, evidence-based, co-designed with AYAs, and culturally inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The latter was assessed using 7 criteria previously developed by members of the research team.

RESULTS

We identified 24 web-based resources, comprising 22 written text resources and 12 video resources. Most resources (21/24, 88%) were published by nongovernmental organizations in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. A total of 7 resources focused on education, 8 focused on work, and 9 focused on both education and work. The evaluation of resources demonstrated poor understandability and actionability. Resources were rarely evidence-based or co-designed by AYAs, difficult to locate on the internet, and largely not inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Although web-based resources for AYAs with cancer are often available through the websites of hospitals or nongovernmental organizations, this environmental scan suggests they would benefit from more evidence-based and actionable resources that are available in multiple formats (eg, text and audio-visual) and tailored to be age-appropriate and culturally inclusive.

Developing a Comprehensive Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program: Lessons Learned from 7 Years of Growth and Progress

Purpose: Every year, nearly 100,000 adolescents and young adults (15-39 years, AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer in the United States and many have unmet physical, psychosocial, and practical needs during and after cancer treatment. In response to demands for improved cancer care delivery for this population, specialized AYA cancer programs have emerged across the country. However, cancer centers face multilevel barriers to developing and implementing AYA cancer programs and would benefit from more robust guidance on how to approach AYA program development. Methods: To contribute to this guidance, we describe the development of an AYA cancer program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Results: We summarize the evolution of UNC's AYA Cancer Program since it was established in 2015, offering pragmatic strategies for developing, implementing, and sustaining AYA cancer programs. Conclusion: The development of the UNC AYA Cancer Program since 2015 has generated many lessons learned that we hope may be informative to other cancer centers seeking to build specialized services for AYAs.

Association between e-cigarette use and depression in US cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Though prior studies have observed significant association between e-cigarette use and mental health outcomes including depression in the general population, the relationship between e-cigarette use and clinical depression in the cancer survivor subpopulation is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-sectional association between e-cigarette use and self-reported clinical depression among cancer survivors.

METHODS

Pooled data from the 2017 and 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey were used. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the independent association between e-cigarette use and self-reported clinical depression in a sample of 7,498 cancer survivors.

RESULTS

Among cancer survivors in this study, 22.1% reported a history of clinical diagnosis of depression. The overall prevalence rates for current and former e-cigarette use were 2.6% and 10.5%, respectively. Analysis showed 51.3% of current users, 40% of former users, and 19.1% of those who had never used e-cigarettes self-reported a history of clinical depression. In the multivariable analysis, the odds of self-reported clinical depression were significantly higher for survivors who were current users (OR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.38-5.90) and former users (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.05-2.55) compared to never e-cigarette users.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this study suggest a statistically significant association between e-cigarette use and depression in cancer survivors. Future studies should focus on examining the longitudinal association between e-cigarette use and depression in cancer survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Study findings reemphasized the need for interventions to support cancer survivors with evidence-based treatments for depression as well as the need for clinicians to screen for psychological distress and/or e-cigarette use and make appropriate recommendations.

Physical activity and physical fitness assessments in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: a scoping review

PURPOSE

This scoping review describes the assessment methodologies for physical activity (PA) and physical fitness assessments used in studies focusing on adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer.

METHODS

A search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library following the PRISMA-ScR statement. A total of 34 studies were included in this review.

RESULTS

PA was primarily assessed via self-reported questionnaires (30/34) either completed in-person (n = 17) or online (n = 13) at different time points and different stages along the cancer trajectory (i.e., from diagnosis onward). A total of 9 studies conducted a physical fitness assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

PA and physical fitness measurements are key when trying to describe outcomes, assess for associations, track changes, measure intervention adherence, and test intervention efficacy and effectiveness. Considerable heterogeneity across studies was reported limiting the generation of formal recommendations or guidance for researchers, healthcare providers, and policy makers.

Are We on the Same Page? Exploring Pediatric Patients' Involvement With Advance Care Planning

BACKGROUND

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have a right to be heard. This also applies to patients in pediatric palliative care (PPC). The aim of this literature review was to explore what is known about the involvement of children (<14 years of age), adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in advance care planning (ACP) in PPC.

METHODS

A search was conducted in PubMed including publications from January 1, 2002 until December 31, 2021. The identified citations had to report on ACP or related terms in any PPC context.

RESULTS

A total of n = 471 unique reports were identified. Final inclusion criteria were met by n = 21 reports, including children and AYAs with diagnoses related to oncology, neurology, HIV/AIDS and cystic fibrosis. Nine reports were from randomized controlled studies, investigating ACP methodology. The main findings were: 1) caregivers are included more often than children and adolescents in ACP, 2) some studies indicate an incongruence between AYAs and their caregivers regarding ACP and treatment preferences, 3) although the process evokes a wide range of emotions, ACP is perceived as helpful by many AYAs CONCLUSION: The majority of studies about ACP in PPC do not include children and AYAs. Whether incongruence reported in some studies between AYAs and their caregivers regarding treatment preferences could be reduced by ACP should be further explored, including the involvement of children and adolescents in ACP, and the impact of pediatric ACP on patient outcomes in PPC.

Assessing Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes towards Cancer Pain Management in Oman

Cancer care in the Gulf Cooperation Countries, including Oman, faces challenges due to increasing incidence and late-stage diagnoses. Cancer patients at later stages suffer complex symptoms, pain being a prominent one. Access to adequate pain relief is a global problem, including in the Middle East, where palliative care is lacking. Nurses play a crucial role in pain assessment and management but often lack the necessary training, resulting in inadequate relief and prolonged hospital stays. This study aims to examine the knowledge and attitudes of nurses in a national cancer center toward the management of cancer pain, with the goal of identifying any gaps in their knowledge. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among nurses at the national cancer center in the Royal Hospital. The Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (NKASRP) was used to determine the pain-related knowledge and attitudes of the nurses. Out of 150 registered nurses, 118 participated in this study (78% response rate). The mean NKASRP score was 49.6%. Half of the participants (50%) had a poor level of knowledge and attitude, 46% had fair knowledge and attitude, and only five participants (4%) had a good level of knowledge and attitude. A statistically significant association existed between knowledge and education level, years of experience caring for cancer patients, and prior pain management training (p < 0.05). A low level of knowledge and attitude among nurses in cancer pain management is a significant challenge in providing comprehensive cancer care. Adequate training of nurses in cancer pain management is essential to providing effective pain management and improving the quality of life of cancer patients.

Psychosocial distress in young adults surviving hematological malignancies: a pilot study

PURPOSE

Survivors of cancer during young adulthood face multiple psychosocial challenges following treatment. This study explores psychosocial distress and unmet needs among young adult survivors treated of hematological malignancies.

METHODS

A total of 85 young adults aged between 18 and 39 years at time of diagnosis, were invited to join the survey after the completion of treatment with curative intent. Sociodemographic data and the need for advice were gathered with a self-report questionnaire. A set of standardized questionnaires for quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), psychosocial stressors (PHQ-S), fear of progression (PA-F-KF), cancer-related fatigue (EORTC QLQ-FA12), and symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7) or depression (PHQ-9) was employed. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Forty-seven young adult cancer survivors responded. A quarter of patients (26%) reported depressive symptoms, 15% suffered from anxiety, 36% from fear of progression, and 21% reported increased psychosocial stressors. They had a lower QoL than the general population and reported poorer outcomes on all single-item and multi-symptom scales. Employment was significantly associated with lower levels of psychosocial distress, anxiety, fatigue, and better QoL.

CONCLUSION

Young adult cancer survivors exhibited a high disposition for psychosocial distress. They reported excessive demands in everyday life and resumption of work. However, a longitudinal study of young adult cancer survivors is needed to confirm the results of this pilot study. In future, psycho-oncological and social support need to become an inherent part of the aftercare of survivors of young adult cancer survivors.

Preferred Communication with Adolescent and Young Adult Patients Receiving Bad News About Cancer

Purpose: Several studies have investigated good communication practices with adult patients receiving bad news about cancer. However, while communication preferences may differ between adults and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, these preferences have not been determined for AYA patients. The primary endpoint of this study was to describe the communication preferred by AYA patients with cancer. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 15 patients who received a cancer diagnosis at the age of 15-29 years. Patients were recruited at the National Cancer Center Hospital or through "STAND UP!!," an association of AYA patients with cancer. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and content analysis was performed to analyze the data. Results: For the preferred communication of AYA patients, 80 categories were extracted in the following five domains: (1) "Supportive setting," (2) "Method of disclosure of bad news," (3) "Information given," (4) "Emotional support," and (5) "Support for the patient's decision making." Although more than half of the categories extracted were identical to the preferred communication of adult patients, some categories specific to AYA patients were identified that physicians should consider. Preferences specific to AYA patients included mentioning generation-specific social factors, not showing excessive empathy, and communicating in a manner considering their age and cognitive development that supports their decision making. Conclusion: Although physicians should be mindful of the specific preferences of AYA patients, the basic attitude and communication preferences are similar to those of patients of other generations.

Improving Symptom Management for Survivors of Young Adult Cancer: Development of a Novel Intervention

Purpose: Improved symptom management is a critical although unmet post-treatment need for young adult (YA) cancer survivors (aged 18-39 at diagnosis). This study aimed to develop and refine a behavioral symptom management intervention for YA survivors. Methods: Phase I: YA survivors (N = 21) and oncology providers (N = 11) completed individual interviews and an online, self-report assessment to examine symptom experiences, the need for a behavioral symptom management intervention for YAs, and perceptions about potential intervention components, structure, and format. Phase II: YA survivors (N = 10) completed user testing sessions, providing feedback on the prototype intervention materials (paper manual and mobile application), and completed an online assessment. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics. Rapid qualitative analysis, a methodologically rigorous standardized approach, was used. Results: Pain, fatigue, and distress were ranked as top concerns by most YAs and providers. Phase I interviews underscored the need for a symptom management intervention for YAs. YAs and providers highlighted potential coping strategies and program format/structure suggestions (e.g., small group format) to best meet YAs' needs. A prototype intervention was developed combining the following: traditional behavioral symptom coping skills; home-based physical activity; strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy; and strategies to foster self-compassion. Phase II user testing sessions highlighted strengths and suggestions for refining the prototype materials. Conclusion: Post-treatment symptoms are common for YAs. A tailored behavioral symptom management program was developed and refined with input from YAs and providers and will be examined for feasibility and acceptability in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04035447.

Suicide risk among adolescents and young adults after cancer diagnosis: analysis of 34 cancer groups from 2009 to 2019

PURPOSE

We aimed to identify granular groups with an increased risk of suicide among adolescents and young adult (AYA) patients with a previous malignant neoplasm diagnosis.

METHODS

We deployed a cohort of all cases of primary malignant neoplasms diagnosed between the 1st of January 2009 and the 31st of December 2019 among individuals aged 15-39 years registered in the Polish National Cancer Registry. To assess the risk of suicide in comparison with the general AYA population, we calculated sex-age-year standardized mortality ratios (SMR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 50,298 cancer patients (22,111 men and 28,187 women) were included in this study. The risk of suicide for AYA after cancer diagnosis was 2.39-fold higher than that for AYA in the general population (SMR 2.39, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.28). The risk in women (SMR 4.18, 95% CI 1.68 to 8.62) was higher than that in men (SMR 2.18, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.09). A significantly higher risk of suicide was observed in men with testicular cancer (SMR 2.46, 95% CI 1.37 to 4.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Polish AYA diagnosed with cancer had an almost 2.5-fold higher risk of suicide than the general AYA population. The particular risk group was men with testicular cancer within 2-3 and 5-10 years after cancer diagnosis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

To better identify patients at risk of suicide, there is a need to create or adapt screening tools, educate cancer care providers and family physicians, and integrate psychological services into select cancer care specialties.

Translation and evaluation of psychometric properties of the Amharic pediatric quality of life inventory 4.0 generic core scale for children with cancer

BACKGROUND

Childhood cancer negatively impacts a child's physical, mental, and behavioural health and significantly affects their health-related quality of life. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scale (PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS) is one of the most commonly used measures of the quality of life in children. However, the Amharic version of PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS has not been validated in a paediatric oncology population. This study aimed to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Amharic PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A)) for Ethiopian children with cancer.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 8-18 years with any type of cancer across the cancer trajectory. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient were computed to determine the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the scale. The convergent validity was established by examining the correlation of the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A) with the Amharic version of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS-25(A)). Factorial validity was evaluated by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 142 participants with childhood cancer. PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A) had good validity and reliability. It demonstrated high internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.96 for the scale and 0.82-0.95 for the subscales. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the scale was 0.9 and that for the subscales was 0.76-0.90. The PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A) was highly correlated with RCADS-25 (A) (r = - 0.97, p < 0.001), supporting its convergent validity. The four-factor structure of the model fitted the data satisfactorily (χ²/df = 1.28; CFI = 0.97; TLI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.05; SRMR = 0.05), supporting the factorial validity of the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A).

CONCLUSION

The PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A) demonstrates desirable psychometric properties for assessing quality of life among Ethiopian children with cancer. The scale can be used in clinical settings for assessing and evaluating quality of life in children with cancer. The use of parent-report versions and studies in those with different health conditions and healthy populations are necessary to further establish the psychometric properties of the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A).

Disparities in the medical expenditures of patients with cancer and concomitant mental disorder: analyzing the effects of diagnosis sequence order

BACKGROUND

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Taiwan. Medical expenditures related to cancer accounted for 44.8% of all major illness insurance claims in Taiwan. Prior research has indicated that the dual presence of cancer and mental disorder in patients led to increased medical burden. Furthermore, patients with cancer and concomitant mental disorder could incur as much as 50% more annual costs than those without. Although previous studies have investigated the utilization of patients with both diseases, the effects of morbidity sequence order on patient costs are, however, uncertain. This study explored medical expenditures linked with the comorbidity of cancer and mental disorder, with a focus on the impact of diagnosis sequence order.

METHODS

This population-based retrospective matched cohort study retrieved patients with cancer and mental disorder (aged ≥ 20 years) from the Ministry of Health and Welfare Data Science Center 2005-2015 database. 321,045 patients were divided based on having one or both diseases, as well as on the sequence of mental disorder and cancer diagnosis. Study subjects were paired with comparison counterparts free of both diseases using Propensity Score Matching at a 1:1 ratio. Annual Cost per Patient Linear Model (with a log-link function and gamma distribution) was used to assess the average annual cost, covarying for socio-demographic and clinical factors. Binomial Logistic Regression was used to evaluate factors associated with the risk of high-utilization.

RESULTS

The "Cancer only" group had higher adjusted mean annual costs (NT$126,198), more than 5-times that of the reference group (e^β: 5.45, p < 0.001). However, after exclusion of patients with non-cancer and inclusion of diagnosis sequence order for patients with cancer and concomitant mental disorder, the post-cancer mental disorder group had the highest expenditures at over 13% higher than those diagnosed with only cancer on per capita basis (e^β: 1.13, p < 0.001), whereas patients with cancer and any pre-existing mental disorder incurred lower expenditures than those with only cancer. The diagnosis of post-cancer mental disorder was significantly associated with high-utilization (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.047-1.469). Other covariates associated with high-utilizer status included female sex, middle to old age, and late stage cancer.

CONCLUSION

Presence of mental disorder prior to cancer had a diminishing effect on medical utilization in patients, possibly indicating low medical compliance or adherence in patients with mental disorder on initial treatments after cancer diagnosis. Patients with post-cancer mental disorder had the highest average annual cost. Similar results were found in the odds of reaching high-utilizer status. The follow-up of cancer treatment for patients with pre-existing mental disorders warrants more emphasis in an attempt to effectively allocate medical resources.

Risk of Major Psychiatric Disorders Among Children and Adolescents Surviving Malignancies: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study

PURPOSE

Evidence suggests an increased long-term risk of major psychiatric disorders (MPDs) in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACSs). However, definitive conclusions regarding such associations and whether such associations vary for different types of cancers remain unclear.

METHODS

Using a nationwide data set from 2001 to 2011, we enrolled CACSs and likewise randomly selected individuals without cancer from the general population (1:10 ratio) who were matched to the CACSs with regard to demographic data. We investigated eight organ system-related cancers. The primary outcomes were the risks of seven MPD diagnoses: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder.

RESULTS

CACSs (n = 5,121; mean age = 9.08 years) showed increased risks of six MPD diagnoses than controls (n = 51,210), with results as follows (in descending order): ASD (hazard ratio [HR], 10.42; associated 95% CI, 4.58 to 23.69), ADHD (HR, 6.59; 95% CI, 4.91 to 8.86), BD (HR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.26 to 6.80), MDD (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.26 to 2.79), OCD (HR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.33 to 8.52), and post-traumatic stress disorder (HR, 6.10; 95% CI, 1.46 to 25.54). CACSs also showed earlier ages at diagnoses of ADHD, schizophrenia, MDD, and OCD than controls. The risks of MPD diagnoses vary according to specific cancer types/categories. Brain cancer and lymphatic/hematopoietic tissue cancer were associated with the greatest number of MPD diagnoses (ie, each was associated with six diagnoses). In addition, ASD and ADHD were associated with most organ system-related cancers (ie, each was associated with five categories).

CONCLUSION

We found that CACSs were at higher risks of MPD diagnoses than controls. Follow-up care should include psychosocial interventions focusing on early signs of mental health problems and early interventions in this high-risk group.

Outcomes of adolescents and young adults with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukaemia treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have reported the outcomes of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML-CP) on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the clinical features, treatment response, and long-term outcomes of 42 AYA patients, in comparison to older patients. The initial therapies of AYA patients between 2001 and 2016 included imatinib (n = 24), dasatinib (n = 13) and nilotinib (n = 5).

RESULTS

In AYA patients, the peripheral blood (PB) white blood cell count and percentage of blasts at the diagnosis were significantly higher, haemoglobin levels were lower and the spleen size was larger. The major molecular response (MMR), event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were comparable. A sub-analysis comparing imatinib to second-generation TKIs as the initial therapy also showed that their prognosis was comparable.

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, the tumour burden at the diagnosis of CML-CP is higher in AYA patients; however, their prognosis was not worse in comparison to older patients treated with TKIs. KEY MESSAGESFew studies have reported the outcomes of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML-CP) on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This study showed the tumour burden at the diagnosis of CML-CP is higher in AYA pa tients; however, their prognosis was not worse in comparison to older patients treated with TKIs. Understanding the biological and non-biological features of AYA patients with CML-CP on TKI therapy is essential for better management and to improve the outcomes.

Suicide risk among female breast cancer survivors: A population-based study

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type for females and has the highest relative number of suicide cases among female-specific cancers. This study aimed to demonstrate suicide rates and changing trends and to identify risk factors for suicide among female breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Data were derived from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database for women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2000 to 2017. Mortality rate and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated to describe the incidence rate and trend of suicide among female breast cancer survivors. Gray's test and cumulative incidence function (CIF) curves were used to assess difference of cumulative suicide incidence in subgroups. Multivariate Fine-Gray competing risk model was used to identify risk factors for individual survivors and nomogram model was used to estimate the probability of suicide.

Result

There were 414 suicide cases among 638,547 female breast cancer survivors observed for 5,079,194 person-years, and the suicide rate and SMRs gradually increased with the year of diagnosis. Female breast cancer survivors had a higher risk of suicide than the general population (SMR = 1.19; 95% CI (1.08-1.31)). Based on the result of Fine-Gray competing risk models, age group (50-70 vs <50: HR=0.65, 95% CI:0.52-0.80; >70 vs <50: HR=0.22, 95% CI:0.15-0.32), race/ethnicity (black vs white: HR= 0.20, 95% CI: 0.11-0.36; other race vs white: HR= 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46-0.97), marital status (separated vs married: HR= 1.50, 95% CI: 1.16-1.94; single vs married: HR= 1.70, 95% CI: 1.31-2.20), stage (distant vs regional: HR= 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.63), radiotherapy (Yes vs No/Unknown: HR= 0.62, 95% CI: 0.49-0.77), and molecular subtypes (HER-2 vs Luminal B (HR= 2.53, 95% CI: 1.10-5.82), TNBC vs Luminal B (HR= 2.11, 95% CI: 1.01-4.42)) were independent predictors of suicide among female breast cancer patients. A nomogram was constructed to predict the suicide probability for individual survivors with a C-index of 0.62 (95%CI: 0.59-0.66).

Conclusion

Female breast cancer survivors with younger age (less than 50 years old), white race, unmarried status, regional stage, HER-2 or TNBC subtype, and no radiotherapy performed were more likely to commit suicide. The clinicians and family members should pay more attention to patients with high risk factors of suicide to decrease the mortality rate.

A Pilot Randomized Control Trial of Teens Taking Charge: A Web-based Self-management Program for Adolescents with Cancer

Background: There is a lack of self-management tools for adolescents with cancer (AWC). This study evaluated the feasibility of Teens Taking Charge Cancer, a web-based self-management program. Methods: A pilot randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted across 4 pediatric oncology clinics. AWC (12-18 years) and their caregivers were randomized to either the intervention or control group. All were asked to complete 12 website modules over 12 weeks (at their own pace) and received monthly calls from health coaches. The intervention website was based on cognitive behavioral principals, designed as an interactive self-guided online program, while the control consisted of education and included links to 12 general cancer websites. Outcome assessments occurred at enrollment and 12 weeks post-intervention. The primary outcomes included rate of accrual and retention, adherence to the protocol, acceptability and satisfaction with intervention using questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, adverse events and engagement with the intervention. Results: Eighty-one teen-caregiver dyads were enrolled with a retention rate of 33%. In the intervention group 46% (n = 18) logged in at least once over the 12-week period. A mean of 2.4 of 12 modules (SD 3.0) were completed; and no one completed the program. Thirty-three percent of caregivers in the intervention logged into the website at least once and none completed the full program. Discussion: The results from this pilot study suggest that the current design of the Teens Taking Charge Cancer RCT lacks feasiblity. Future web-based interventions for this group should include additional features to promote uptake and engagement with the program.

Symptom Communication Preferences and Communication Barriers for Young Adult Cancer Survivors and Their Health Care Providers

Purpose: Effective communication between young adult (YA; aged 18-39 years) cancer survivors and their health care providers is critical for managing post-treatment symptoms. Yet, little is known about YAs' and providers' preferences for and barriers to symptom communication, variables important for developing interventions to improve and optimize YA-provider communication. Methods: YA survivors (N = 21) and oncology providers (N = 11) rank ordered their preferred methods for symptom communication and top communication barriers. Interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data (i.e., preferred methods for, barriers, and suggestions to improve symptom communication). Interviews were transcribed, and thematic qualitative analysis was used. Results: Sixty-two percent of YAs preferred communicating using the electronic messaging system affiliated with the medical record (MyChart), whereas providers (100%) preferred communicating during in-person clinic visits. Qualitative data from YAs pointed to benefits of MyChart, including ease of use and rapid responses. Providers acknowledged that, although efficient, high message volumes and expectations for rapid responses were barriers to MyChart. Providers described benefits of in-person visits, including visually assessing patients' concerns, providing immediate support, and more safely managing symptoms. Lack of time (48%) was YAs' top communication barrier, whereas providers endorsed patients not bringing up symptoms (64%). Qualitative data reflected patient-level (e.g., embarrassment/discomfort, lack of skills) and provider-level (e.g., forgetting to ask about a symptom) barriers. YAs and providers offered strategies to improve communication. Conclusion: Survivor- and provider-level communication interventions that account for YAs' and providers' differing communication preferences and directly address communication barriers unique to survivors' developmental stage may be necessary to improve symptom communication.

Epidemiology and associated factors of depression among cancer patients in Ethiopia: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

There is no pooled evidence regarding the prevalence and potential associated factors of depression among cancer patients in Ethiopian community. Hence, the current review aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among cancer patients in Ethiopia.

Method

A computerized systematic literature search was made in MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Each database was searched from its start date to June 2020. More over we will also add scholars and gray literature consultations. All articles will be included if they were published in English, which evaluated the prevalence and associated factors of depression among cancer patients in Ethiopia. Pooled estimations with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Publication bias was evaluated by using inspection of funnel plots and statistical tests.

Discussion

Since we are using existing anonymized data, ethical approval is not required for this study. Our results can be used to guide clinical decisions about the most efficient way to prevent and treat depression among cancer patients.

Systematic review registration Submitted to Prospero.

Exploring Depressive Symptoms and Cancer Worries in a High-Volume Cancer Genetics Clinic: What Are the Roles of Age and Cancer Diagnosis?

Limited research has explored depression and cancer worries (CWs) among adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) seeking genetic counseling. This study evaluated depressive symptoms and CWs among five groups: AYAs, adolescents and young adults without cancer (AYAWOCs), older adults with cancer (OAs), older adults without cancer (OAWOCs), and older adults diagnosed with cancer in their adolescent and young adult years (OA/AYAs). A retrospective data analysis was performed on 6524 patients, which found that AYAs reported significantly higher depressive symptoms and CWs compared with all other groups except OA/AYAs. These findings suggest that the intersection between age and cancer diagnosis is related to depressive symptoms and CWs.

Policies and Practices to Address Cancer's Long-Term Adverse Consequences

As cancer detection and treatment improve, the number of long-term survivors will continue to grow, as will the need to improve their survivorship experience and health outcomes. We need to better understand cancer and its treatment's short- and long-term adverse consequences and to prevent, detect, and treat these consequences effectively. Delivering care through a collaborative care model; standardizing information offered to and collected from patients; standardizing approaches to documenting, treating, and reducing adverse effects; and creating a data infrastructure to make population-based information widely available are all actions that can improve survivors' outcomes. National policies that address gaps in insurance coverage, the cost and value of treatment and survivorship care, and worker benefits such as paid sick leave can also concurrently reduce cancer burden. The National Cancer Policy Forum and the Forum on Aging, Disability, and Independence at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine sponsored a virtual workshop on "Addressing the Adverse Consequences of Cancer Treatment," November 9-10, 2020, to examine long-term adverse consequences of cancer treatment and to identify practices and policies to reduce treatment's negative impact on survivors. This commentary discusses high-priority issues raised during the workshop and offers a path forward.

Care Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer Undergoing Active Treatment in South Korea: A Mixed Methods Study

Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer have special care needs that are different from those of children and older adults with cancer. This study assessed the perspective and experience of AYAs with cancer in South Korea to identify their care needs. Methods: This study used a convergent mixed-methods design. From July 2020 to November 2021, AYAs with cancer (N = 77; 15-39 years of age) participated in a quantitative cross-sectional study, using a tool developed by our study team. In May 2021, a qualitative focus group was conducted with 10 AYAs with cancer. Integrated analyses were conducted concurrently by reporting the quantitative and qualitative findings together. Results: Quantitative findings revealed that the highest care need domains were communication and information, whereas the highest care priority item was the management of pain and symptoms occurring during the treatment. Qualitative findings revealed 12 themes across 5 domains. Comparing and merging of the quantitative and qualitative data resulted in eight confirmed themes and four expanded findings, including knowing people who overcame similar illnesses, fear of death, dedicated space, and a program for AYAs with cancer. Conclusion: When developing and implementing programs and health care services, especially in countries with no established program or cancer specialty unit for AYAs with cancer, it is important to consider the special care needs and priorities of AYAs with cancer. This mixed methods study provided empirical evidence to help understand and prioritize the needs of AYAs with cancer undergoing active treatment in South Korea.

Effectiveness of internet-based behavioral activation on quality of life among young adult survivors of childhood brain tumor: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Diagnosis and treatment of childhood brain tumor have detrimental effects on physical, neurocognitive, psychological, and social functioning that lasts into adulthood and effects quality of life (QOL). To address diminished QOL, an Internet-based behavioral activation (BA) intervention was developed. Behavioral activation aims to increase activities and behaviors likely to improve thoughts, mood, and QOL.

METHODS

Participants included 127 young adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (SCBT) randomized into the experimental group (n= 64) or the waitlist control group (n= 63). The dependent variables included: life satisfaction, stress, and activation and were assessed with a two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

Results revealed a significant interaction between the intervention and time on life satisfaction, F(1, 125)=4.793, p = 0.03. There were no significant main effects over time for perceived stress and activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings offer initial evidence that BA can be delivered over the internet and that Internet-delivered BA can have a positive effect on the QOL of young adult SCBT. Internet-based BA interventions can serve as a resource for young adult SCBT who desire to boost their mood and QOL.Implications for rehabilitationBehavioral activation (BA) is aimed at increasing positively reinforcing overt behaviors that are likely to promote improved thoughts, mood, and quality of life (QOL).Results indicated study participants in the experimental group demonstrated a significant gain in life satisfaction compared to the control group after receiving the Internet-based BA intervention; and provides support that the intervention was associated with positive changes across time.Findings offer initial evidence that BA can be delivered over the internet and that Internet-delivered BA can have a positive effect on the QOL of young adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (SCBT).Internet-based BA interventions can serve as a resource for young adult SCBT who desire to boost their mood and QOL.

Early Posttherapy Opioid Prescription, Potential Misuse, and Substance Use Disorder Among Pediatric Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND

Pediatric cancer survivors often have pain, which may be managed with opioids. We examined the prevalence of opioid prescriptions, potential misuse, and substance use disorders (SUDs) among pediatric cancer survivors during the first year posttherapy.

METHODS

Using MarketScan Commercial Database, we identified 8969 survivors (aged 21 years or younger at diagnosis) who completed cancer therapy in 2009-2018 and remained continuously enrolled for at least 1 year posttherapy and 44 845 age-, sex-, and region-matched enrollees without cancer as a comparison group. Outcomes included opioid prescriptions, any indicator of potential prescription opioid misuse, and SUDs within 1 year posttherapy. Outcomes were compared between survivors and noncancer peers in bivariate and adjusted analyses, stratified by off-therapy age (children: 0-11 years; adolescents: 12-17 years; young adults: 18-28 years). All statistical tests were 2-sided.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of survivors than noncancer peers filled opioid prescriptions (children: 12.7% vs 2.0%; adolescents: 22.9% vs 7.7%; young adults: 26.0% vs 11.9%). In models adjusting for sociodemographic factors and health status, survivors remained 74.4%-404.8% more likely than noncancer peer to fill opioid prescriptions (P < .001). The prevalence of potential misuse or SUDs was low, with 1.4% of child, 4.7% of adolescent, and 9.4% of young adult survivors fulfilling at least 1 criterion; however, it was higher than noncancer peers (0.1%, 1.4%, and 4.3%, respectively). In adjusted models, the likelihood of potential misuse among survivors remained at least 2 times higher than that among noncancer peers (P  < .001), and the difference in SUDs became nonstatistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Statistically significantly higher rates of opioid prescriptions and potential misuse were found among pediatric cancer survivors within 1 year posttherapy as compared with peers without cancer.

Comorbidity Burden in a Cohort of Adolescent and Young Adult Patients Diagnosed with Central Nervous System Tumors and Sarcomas

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology patients experience unique biological, behavioral, and socioeconomic challenges, for which provision of care must be tailored. AYAs with central nervous system (CNS) tumors and sarcomas represent a vulnerable population with worse outcomes and potential for serious sequelae from intense multimodal therapy. Comorbidity burden impacts treatment tolerance, adherence, and efficacy, yet has been understudied among these high-risk AYA patients. Methods: Utilizing a validated AYA oncology comorbidity index, we (1) measured comorbid conditions present at diagnosis in AYA-aged patients with CNS tumors and sarcomas and (2) compared baseline comorbidity burden across ascending AYA age groups (15-19, 20-29, and 30-39 years) and with pediatric patients (10-14 years). Results: The cohort included 131 AYAs and 50 pediatric patients. Mean comorbidity score significantly differed between pediatric (0.8) and AYA (1.7) patients, and across ascending age subgroups (0.8 [10-14] < 1.2 [15-19] < 1.7 [20-29] < 2.5 [30-39]). AYAs were significantly more likely than pediatric patients to have ≥2 or ≥3 comorbidities (47% vs. 18%, 24% vs. 6%), with increasing prevalence across ascending age subgroups. Frequency of overweight/obese status, smoking/substance use, obstetric/gynecologic conditions, and cardiovascular comorbidities increased with age. In multivariate analyses adjusting for sex, tumor type, and race, age remained a significant predictor of comorbidity score. Conclusions: AYAs with CNS tumors or sarcomas have a high burden of baseline comorbidities, which increase with age at diagnosis, conferring susceptibility to treatment-related toxicity and mortality. Improving the prognosis for AYAs requires appropriate identification of pre-existing comorbidities and tailoring therapeutic and supportive care accordingly.

Effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy on psychological, physical and social outcomes of children with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to summarise the effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy on psychological, physical and social outcomes of children with cancer without limitations on publication date.

METHODS

Thirteen English and seven Chinese electronic databases were searched from April to June 2021. Randomised control trials, quasi-experimental studies, pre-test post-test studies with a control group, factorial or cross-over designs that included children ≤18 years old and during various stages of the cancer trajectory, who have received cognitive-behavioural therapy, and reported (anxiety, depression, stress, quality of life, self-efficacy, fatigue, pain, behavioural distress, anger, and/or academic performance) were included.

RESULTS

Eight studies with quality of evidence ranging from low to high risk of bias were included. The results show cognitive-behavioural therapy has favourable effects on anxiety, depression, pain and behavioural distress. The meta-analysis also show that it reduces anxiety (SMD = -0.89, 95% CI (-1.45, -0.32), p < 0.002), depression (SMD = -0.90, 95% CI (-1.40, -0.39), p < 0.0005), and pain (SMD = -0.56, 95% CI (-1.04, -0.08), p < 0.002). It also has a favourable effect on stress, anger and self-efficacy, though the results are drawn from a single study.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive-behavioural therapy has the potential to reduce anxiety, depression and pain for children with cancer. It also shows promise in reducing behavioural distress. Although effects on stress, anger, and self-efficacy have been found to be significant, there have been limited studies on these aspects of functioning and more research is needed. The findings are drawn from heterogeneous participants and interventions, thus emphasising the need to conduct well-designed intervention studies, including cancer survivors.

A scoping review to map the evidence of physical activity interventions in post-treatment adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

PURPOSE

This scoping review describes and synthesizes previously reported data to document physical activity (PA) interventions in adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and to explore whether PA interventions tested to date improve survivors' health outcomes.

METHODS

A search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library following the PRISMA-ScR statement. We included all original studies (n = 8) investigating PA interventions in AYA cancer survivors.

RESULTS

This review showed that PA interventions were feasible and acceptable in AYA cancer survivors. PA interventions were individualized and mainly aerobic in nature. Studies examining the effects of PA interventions on survivors' health evaluated physical and mental health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our scoping review maps the current evidence of PA interventions and highlights the paucity of data in this area of investigation, obviating how much work remains to be done to demonstrate the potential benefits of PA on AYA cancer survivors' health outcomes.

Evaluating an engaging and coach-assisted online cognitive behavioral therapy for depression among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A pilot feasibility trial

OBJECTIVES

Technology-assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (tCBT) has significant potentials to provide engaging and accessible depression treatment for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) coping with cancer. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an engaging and tailorable tCBT - Mind Your Total Health (MYTH) - for AYA cancer survivors' depression.

METHODS

Seventeen AYAs diagnosed with cancer were randomly assigned to either the intervention (MYTH) or control group. The intervention group (n = 10) received eight weekly 30-35 minutes coach-assisted tCBT (MYTH), while the control group (n = 7) received active control, BeatingtheBlues (BtB).

RESULTS

Eight out of ten participants in the MYTH group completed at least six out of eight sessions, suggesting strong feasibility (80% completion rate) among AYAs with cancer. Efficacy outcomes indicated that participants in the MYTH group reported significant pre- and post-treatment reduction in depression, t(9) = 5.25, p < 0.001, and anxiety, t(9)=5.07, p < 0.001. Notably, participants in the MYTH group reported significantly lower post-treatment depression than participants in the BtB group, t(15) = 2.40, p < 0.05. The between-group difference reflected a significant between-group treatment effect size, d = 1.12, p < 0.05.

DISCUSSION

This engaging, tailorable, and coach-assisted tCBT intervention is promising in alleviating depression and anxiety among AYA cancer survivors. Future research needs to include larger sample size and a more diverse patient population.

Risk of Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients in Japan

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer in Japan and identify risk factors for MDD among these patients.

METHODS

This was a matched cohort study using a large claims database in Japan. Included patients were aged 15-39 years, newly diagnosed with cancer during 2012-2017 and assessable for a follow-up period of 12 months. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for MDD in the AYA patients with cancer versus age-, sex- and working status-matched cancer-free controls. A subgroups analysis of the AYA patients with cancer was performed to explore MDD risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 3,559 AYA patients with cancer and 35,590 matched controls were included in the analysis. AYA patients with cancer had a 3-fold higher risk for MDD compared with cancer-free controls (HR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.64-3.70). Among cancer categories with >100 patients, patients with multiple cancer categories, including those with metastatic cancer (HR, 6.73, 95% CI, 3.65-12.40) and leukemia (HR, 6.30; 95% CI, 3.75-10.58), had the greatest MDD risk versus matched controls. Patients who received inpatient chemotherapy as initial treatment had a higher risk for MDD than patients without chemotherapy (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.30-0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

AYA patients in Japan with cancer are at high risk for MDD. Particularly, those with multiple cancer categories, leukemia, and those who receive aggressive anticancer treatments should be monitored closely for symptoms of MDD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Psychological distress and resilience in a multicentre sample of adolescents and young adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

Understanding impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer is important to inform care. Online survey of 16-24 year olds receiving cancer treatment at eight cancer centres in the UK. We measured: self-perceived increased anxiety since COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on treatment, life and relationships, PHQ-8, GAD and the two-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). 112 AYA participated. 59.8% had previous mental health difficulties. 78.6% reported COVID-19 having a significant impact on life. 79% reported experiencing increased anxiety since COVID-19.43.4% had moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores and 37.1% GADS-7 scores. Impact on life was associated with moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores (OR 5.23, 95% CI 1.65-16.56, p < 0.01), impact on relationships with moderate-severe GADS-7 and PHQ-8 score (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.11-7.54, p = 0,03; OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.32-15.17, p < 0.01; OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11-5.25, p =0.03). Greater resilience was associated with lower mod-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 scores (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.81, p < 0.01; OR 0.55 95% CI 0.4-0.72, p < 0.01; OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38-0.69, p < 0.01). We found high levels of psychological distress. Perceived impact of COVID-19 on relationships and life was predictive of poorer mental health, with resilience a protective factor.

The psychological health of patients diagnosed with cancer in Iraq during the COVID-19 pandemic: A single center study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the psychological health status of patients diagnosed with cancer in Iraq during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aim was to measure the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among patients diagnosed with cancer. Secondary aims were to assess the association between depression, anxiety, and stress with sociodemographic characteristics, cancer-specific characteristics, patients' experience in healthcare visit, risk perception towards COVID-19, and health concern during the outbreak.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 1, 2020 and December 1, 2020 at an Oncology clinic in Baghdad. Included in the study were two hundred patients diagnosed with cancer. Data collected included: demographic variables (age, gender, residential location, marital status, education, employment status), clinical characteristics and cancer-specific parameters (duration since cancer diagnosis, cancer type, treatment duration, clinic visits frequency), experience during the pandemic (skipping or postponing treatment or periodical tests, suffering from new body pain, fear of acquiring the infection, fear of health deterioration), as well as psychological health status (depression, anxiety, stress). Pain, risk perception towards COVID-19, and health concern were measured using categorical Likert scale with responses being no, sometimes, and often. The psychological health status was measured by the "Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale" (DASS-21). Cut-off scores of the DASS-21 greater than 9, 7, and 14 represent a positive screen of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of patients who screened positive for depression was 22.0%, anxiety 22.0%, and stress 13.5%. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were significantly more in those who had university or higher education (34.3%, p-value <0.0001; 32.3%, p-value <0.0001; 19.2%, p-value = 0.02 respectively). Those were four times more likely to have depression and two times more likely to have anxiety than participants who had school education (OR = 4.40 CI [1.98-9.77], p-value <0.0001; OR = 2.55 CI [1.15-5.65], p-value = 0.02, respectively). The prevalence of anxiety was significantly the highest in the age group 16-39 years (40.9%) compared to 22.3% in the age group 40-64 years and 10.3% in the group ≥65 years (p-value = 0.02). Patients ≥65 years of age were less likely to develop anxiety compared to younger patients (OR = 0.44 CI [0.22-0.89], p-value = 0.02). As for the patients' experience in healthcare visit, 66 patients (33.0%) skipped or postponed their treatment or tests due to the outbreak. Around (8%) sometimes suffered from new body pain. Those who sometimes suffered from new body pain had significantly more depression than patients who did not suffer new pain or often had new pain (50.0% vs. 15.0% vs. 28.1% respectively, p-value = 0.002). Those were two times more likely to be depressed (OR = 2.18 CI [1.29-3.68], p-value = 0.003). Around (50%) of the patients were often afraid that their health would deteriorate during the outbreak. Those were significantly more depressed (31.7%, p-value = 0.002), anxious (30.7%, p-value <0.0001) and stressed (21.8%, p-value = 0.002) than those who did not have fear of losing their health and were two times more likely to have anxiety and stress.

CONCLUSION

These findings, especially the association between developing new pain and depression, raised concerns regarding the psychological health in patients diagnosed with cancer during COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to implement psychological health screening for patients diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic to help prevent any psychological health problems. The DASS-21 could be used as a screening tool for distress in these patients.

Assessment of the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management Intervention for Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Cancer at 2 Years: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer have a high risk of poor psychosocial outcomes. The Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM) intervention is one of few psychosocial interventions targeting younger people with cancer that has demonstrated efficacy in a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE

To explore 2-year trajectories of patient-reported well-being among AYA cancer survivors. The hypothesis was that AYAs who initially responded to PRISM would report sustained positive changes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This secondary analysis of data from a single-center, parallel, phase 2 randomized clinical trial was conducted from January 2015 to October 2016. Eligible participants were English-speaking AYAs between ages 13 and 25 years with cancer treated at a single, quaternary children's hospital in the US. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to PRISM or usual care. Data were analyzed between March 2021 and June 2021.

INTERVENTION

PRISM is a brief, skills-based coaching program targeting 4 resilience resources (stress management, goal setting, cognitive reframing, and meaning making).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Patient-reported cancer-related quality of life (QoL) (PedsQL scale), hope (Hope scale), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience scale), and psychological distress (Kessler-6 scale) were collected at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. Data from AYAs who remained alive at 24 months were analyzed. Improvement was defined as a positive change in instrument scores between baseline and 6 months (ie, the end of the PRISM program) and used linear mixed effects regression to assess changes over time.

RESULTS

A total of 57 AYAs were included in analysis at 24 months (62% of 92 randomized). Twenty-six participants (46%) were female; 36 (63%) were between ages 13 and 17 years; and 20 (35%) identified as part of a racial or ethnic minority group (4 [7%] Asian, 11 [19%] Hispanic or Latino, 16 [28%] mixed race or other). PRISM was associated with improved QoL, hope, resilience, and distress between baseline and 6 months, and these associations were sustained for QoL over 12 months (β = 7.4; 95% CI, 0.8 to 14; P = .03) and hope throughout the study period (12 months: β = 6.2; 95% CI, 2.7 to 9.6; P < .001; 24 months: β = 4.6; 95% CI, 1 to 8.3; P = .01). Of those whose scores improved between baseline and 6 months, PRISM participants more commonly reported sustained improvements in QoL (16 of 21 participants [76%] vs 8 of 17 [47%]), hope (14 of 24 participants [58%] vs 6 of 14 [43%]), resilience (9 of 18 participants [50%] vs 4 of 14 [29%]), and distress (14 of 19 participants [74%] vs 6 of 19 [32%]) at 24 months compared with usual care.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These results suggest that PRISM was associated with sustained improvements in psychosocial outcomes as reported by adolescents and young adults. Those who responded to PRISM in the first 6 months reported continued well-being 2 years later.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02340884.

Peer Support Needs of Adolescents with Cancer in Pediatrics: A Canadian Mixed Methods Study

Adolescents with cancer (AWC) in pediatrics may not have adequate opportunities for peer support. This mixed methods study aimed to characterize peer support needs of AWC during or shortly after treatment. Ten AWC with median age 16.5 (range 14-18) years completed a survey and semistructured interview. Three themes were apparent: cancer journey difficulties, current support system, and peer support perspectives. Participants felt incompletely understood by existing supports, lacked connection with other AWC, and craved experiential information. Peer support interventions should be flexible, facilitate various interactions, and include social media. The next step is to implement and evaluate an intervention.

Risk factors associated with suicide in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer

Background

Higher rates of death by suicide are recognized both in individuals of any age with cancer and, separately, among adolescents and young adults (AYA) without cancer. Given this intersection, identifying risk factors associated with suicidal risk among AYA with cancer is critical.

Objective

To identify characteristics associated with suicide among AYA with cancer.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of AYA (aged 15–39) during 1975–2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was conducted. Clinical and demographic factors associated with death by suicide among the AYA cancer population were compared to (i) US population normative data (standardized mortality ratios [SMRs]) and (ii) other AYA individuals with cancer (odds ratios).

Results

In total, 922 suicides were found in 500,366 AYA with cancer (0.18%), observed for 3,198,261 person‐years. The SMR for AYA with cancer was 34.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.4–36.9). Suicide risk was particularly high in females (SMR = 43.4, 95% CI: 37.2–50.4), unmarried persons (SMR = 50.6, 95% CI: 44.7–57.1), those with metastatic disease (SMR = 45.2, 95% CI: 33.1–60.3), or certain histological subtypes (leukemia, central nervous system, and soft tissue sarcoma). Risk generally reduced over time, however remained elevated ≥5 years following a cancer diagnosis (SMR > 5 years = 28.1, 95% CI: 25.4–31.0). When comparing those who died from suicide and those who did not, the following factors demonstrated significant associations: sex (males > females), race (White ethnicity > Black/other ethnicity), relationship status (never married > other), and disease stage (distant > localized).

Conclusions

Death due to suicide/non‐accidental injury is high compared to normative data, requiring increased awareness among health‐care providers, suicide risk monitoring in AYA, and appropriately tailored psychosocial interventions.