The Lived Experience of Young Adult Cancer Survivors after Treatment: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to compare the lived experiences among extended (one year or less post-treatment) and long-term (three years or more post-treatment) young adult (YA) cancer survivors (ages 18–39 years old). Methods: Two trained researchers conducted semi-structured interviews inquiring about the overall lived experience of N = 24 YA cancer survivors (n = 12 extended and n = 12 long-term). The same two researchers independently completed line-by-line coding and thematic content analysis. Results: Interviews lasted an average of 41 min and revealed common themes of symptoms, psychosocial concerns, coping, and changes in health behaviors (e.g., nutrition and physical activity). All participants discussed symptoms impairing their quality of life and affecting their fear of recurrence. Specific psychosocial concerns among extended survivors were appearance-related (e.g., hair loss, weight gain) whereas concerns among long-term survivors included job loss, fertility, and financial stress. Coping strategies described by extended survivors were often distraction-based (e.g., watching television to “escape”), while long-term survivors described more active coping strategies (e.g., yoga, meditation, and seeking support from family and friends). Most survivors reflected on limited physical activity or unhealthy eating during treatment; however, nearly all declared healthy eating and physical activity post-treatment to improve well-being. Conclusions: YA cancer survivors report differing symptoms, psychosocial concerns, and coping strategies across time since treatment. While survivors reported challenges with physical activity and nutrition during treatment, nearly all emphasized the importance of these health behaviors post-treatment. Thus, health behavior interventions could represent a preferred approach to address post-treatment challenges and improve quality of life for YA survivors.

Protocol of a randomised controlled multicentre trial investigating the effectiveness and safety of a wilderness programme on the mental and physical well-being of adolescents and young adults affected by cancer: the WAYA-2 study

“…5 Although AYAs affected by cancer acknowledge the importance of these self-management strategies in dealing with the late effects of cancer or the cancer treatment itself, it remains an ongoing challenge. 5 Therefore, it is a high priority to find effective interventions that support the self-efficacy of AYA impacted by cancer, thereby minimising the negative impact of cancer-related late effects and improving their quality of life. 5 Physical activity-based interventions have been shown to increase physical activity and reduce fatigue in childhood cancer survivors.…”

“…5 Therefore, it is a high priority to find effective interventions that support the self-efficacy of AYA impacted by cancer, thereby minimising the negative impact of cancer-related late effects and improving their quality of life. 5 Physical activity-based interventions have been shown to increase physical activity and reduce fatigue in childhood cancer survivors. [6][7][8] However, results must be interpreted with caution due to the small sample sizes and large heterogeneity among the reviewed studies.…”

“… 4 Other coping strategies reported are seeking distraction, support from family and friends, yoga or meditation, or changes in lifestyle such as increased physical activity and healthy diets. 5 Although AYAs affected by cancer acknowledge the importance of these self-management strategies in dealing with the late effects of cancer or the cancer treatment itself, it remains an ongoing challenge. 5 Therefore, it is a high priority to find effective interventions that support the self-efficacy of AYA impacted by cancer, thereby minimising the negative impact of cancer-related late effects and improving their quality of life.…”

“… 5 Therefore, it is a high priority to find effective interventions that support the self-efficacy of AYA impacted by cancer, thereby minimising the negative impact of cancer-related late effects and improving their quality of life. 5 …”

Reasons for non-participation in cancer rehabilitation: a scoping literature review

“…Early detection and advances in treatment have improved the survival outcomes for many cancers, but cancer remains a common cause of disability and psychosocial distress, often requiring public support [ 2 , 3 ]. In all parts of the world, the diagnosis of cancer is experienced as traumatic, and the disease often affects all aspects of the diagnosed individual’s life [ 4 , 5 ]. People with cancer experience different physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms, due to disease progression and invasive treatment [ 3 , 6 – 9 ].…”