Differences in functioning between young adults with cancer and older age groups: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore whether young adults with cancer have different functioning compared to older age groups with cancer. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study including 654 adults (≥18 years) with cancer. Exposure was age groups categorised as (1) young adults (n = 121) = 18-39 years; (2) middle-aged adults (n = 406) = 40-64 years; and (3) older people (n = 127) = ≥65 years. Outcomes were physical, role, social and cognitive functioning. Analyses consisted of linear regression models. Results: Middle-aged adults had a statistically significant worse physical functioning compared to young adults (À3.90: [95% CI: À6.84; À0.95]). The older age group also had a statistically significant worse physical functioning compared to young adults (À7.63: [95% CI: À11.29; À3.96]). Young adults had statistically significant lower role functioning (À7.11: [95% CI: À1.13; À13.08]) and cognitive functioning (À13.82:[95% CI: À7.35; À20.29]) compared to the older age group. There was no statistically significant difference in social functioning between the age groups. Conclusion:Young adults with cancer seem to have other functioning problems compared with higher age groups. These findings support current research regarding the need to develop age-specific and appropriate rehabilitation services for young adults with cancer.

The quality of life in nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy: A longitudinal study

“…This study found that patients under 60 years old were more likely to show poor role function during RT, which was consistent with a previous study. 34 The reason may be attributed to the increased burden of family and social responsibilities experienced by younger patients. These individuals may face a significant reduction in their role function due to physical decline and work interruptions caused by the side effects endured over the course of 6–7 weeks of RT.…”

Exploring the interconnectedness between health-related quality of life factors among long-term adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs): a network analysis

“…Several studies have focused on the HRQoL issues among AYAs: literature shows that AYAs are at increased risk of fatigue [ 11 ], cognitive impairment [ 12 ], work and financial problems [ 12 , 13 ], psychological distress [ 14 ], and body image issues [ 15 ], which can result in a diminished HRQoL. In addition, studies described impacted physical health and functioning [ 16 – 19 ], and lower mental health [ 17 – 19 ] in AYAs compared to the general population/older cancer survivors [ 19 ]. In line, the systematic review of Quinn showed that AYAs are more likely to have impaired HRQoL compared to the general population, although QoL was difficult to measure due to their age-specific needs [ 20 ].…”