scholarly journals Fear of cancer recurrence among young adult cancer survivors—exploring long-term contributing factors in a large, population-based cohort

Author(s):  
Kathrine F. Vandraas ◽  
Kristin V. Reinertsen ◽  
Cecilie E. Kiserud ◽  
Hanne C. Lie

Abstract Purpose Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) may be debilitating, yet knowledge of FCR among the growing population of long-term young adult cancer survivors (YACS) is scarce. We explored risk of FCR and associated factors in a nation-wide, population-based cohort of YACS. Methods All 5-year survivors diagnosed at the ages of 19–39 years with breast cancer (BC), malignant melanoma (MM), colorectal cancer (CRC), leukemia (LEU), or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) between 1985 and 2009 in Norway were identified by the Cancer Registry of Norway and completed the cross-sectional comprehensive NOR-CAYACS health survey. Univariate and multivariate linear regression modeling was performed. Results In total, 936 survivors were included, with an average of 16 years since diagnoses. BC was the most prevalent cancer form (38.4%), followed by MM (24.7%), NHL (15.6%), CRC (11.8%), and LEU (9.6%). Survivors worried most about getting another cancer (74%), and (20%) reported quite a bit or a lot of FCR. BC and MM survivors had the highest FCR scores. Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) had the strongest association with FCR (Std B 0.21, p < 0.01), above demographic and clinical variables. Conclusions FCR is prevalent even among long-term YACS, including survivors of MM with favorable prognoses. Implications for Cancer Survivors Attention to ongoing risks of PTSS and FCR in this growing survivor population is warranted to optimize future survivorship care.

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A395-A396
Author(s):  
L C Daniel ◽  
S Garland ◽  
E Zhou ◽  
K Chalifour ◽  
G Eaton ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Fear of cancer recurrence is common in young adults with cancer and also related to poorer psychological outcomes. Sleep may be disrupted by anxious thoughts about cancer, causing long-term psychological distress. Thus, the current study tests sleep as a putative mediator of the association between fear of cancer recurrence and overall psychological distress in young adult cancer survivors. Methods In a national cross-sectional survey of Canadians, 436 young adults diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15-39 (current age range 20-39, m=32.39, SD=4.70; 88% female) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory—Short Form, and the Kessler 10 Distress Inventory. Mediation was estimated using PROCESS. Age, sex, and on/off treatment status were entered into models as covariates. Results In the current sample, average fear of cancer recurrence was above the clinical cut-point (m=22.92, SD=6.84), psychological distress was high (m=25.18, SD=7.81), and sleep quality was poor (m=9.11, SD=3.95). Females reported significantly higher fear of cancer recurrence than males [F(1, 435)=15.49, p &lt;.001]. Patients on treatment reported significantly higher fear of cancer recurrence [F(1,435)=11.43, p=.001], poorer sleep quality [F(1,435)=6.48, p=.011], and greater psychological distress [F(1,435)=4.73, p &lt;.001] than patients off treatment. Using a bootstrapping model with covariates, higher fear of cancer recurrence was related to poorer sleep quality and, in turn, higher psychological distress as indicated by the indirect effect’s confidence interval not containing 0 (indirect effect=.13; 95%CI=0.081, 0.189). Conclusion Sleep quality may play an important role in connecting the common experience of fear of cancer recurrence to psychological distress in young adult cancer survivors. Future longitudinal research is needed to examine this possible mediator of young adult cancer patients’ psychological distress outcomes over time. Support This research was supported by a grant from the Newfoundland and Labrador Support for People and Patient-Oriented Research and Trials (NL-SUPPORT) Unit. Sheila Garland is supported by a Scotiabank New Investigator Award from the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (BHCRI).


2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 179-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn S. Stone ◽  
Carol L. Pavlish ◽  
Patricia A. Ganz ◽  
Elizabeth Anne Thomas ◽  
Jacqueline N. Casillas ◽  
...  

Work provides satisfaction and stability to young adult cancer survivors. However, progressive health changes because of cancer may compromise safety and diminish functional ability. The purpose of this study was to describe long-term young adult cancer survivors’ work experiences and describe their interactions with occupational and environmental health professionals (OEHPs) within the workplace. Cancer survivors were recruited from the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance Program. Professional organizations provided access to OEHPs. Constructivist grounded theory guided individual semi-structured interviews during data collection and analysis. Processes of interaction between cancer survivors and OEHPs found to influence work included revealing the survivor-self, sustaining work ability, gatekeeping (employment opportunities, return to work), and accessing support. OEHPs appeared to facilitate survivors’ work ability in the long term if services were available, services were known to survivors, and survivors revealed needs. Educating workers about OEHP services throughout cancer experiences and survivorship could ultimately improve interactivity and provide supportive work environments.


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6121-6121
Author(s):  
E. M. Del Giudice ◽  
L. F. Paszat ◽  
L. Rabeneck ◽  
R. Sutradhar ◽  
D. Urbach ◽  
...  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document