An Investigation of Social Status among Adolescents and Young Adults Who Have Been Diagnosed with Cancer in Canada.

BACKGROUND

Aims were to: (1) compare social status among AYAs diagnosed with cancer to a community population; (2) describe AYAs' change in employment/education status; and (3) examine predictors of social status.

METHOD

Social status (i.e., education, employment, relationship status, and living arrangement) was captured from young adults diagnosed with cancer recruited via social media through a community-based organization from across Canada and randomly matched to a community sample by sex, age, province of residence, total household income and race/ethnicity at a ratio of 1:3.

RESULTS

AYAs with cancer (N = 622) were an average of 4.45 (SD = 5.42) years from the completion of treatment and were less likely to be employed (χ = 96.35, < 0.001) and more likely to be living at home with parents (χ = 17.00, < 0.001). There were no differences in education or relationship status. Overall, 41% and 45% of AYAs reported quitting school or work, respectively. Non-metastatic disease (AOR 3.23, 95% CI 1.08-9.62), and better physical (AOR 1.07 95% CI 1.04-1.10) and mental quality of life (QOL)(AOR 1.06 95% CI 1.03-1.09), were associated with employment. Worse mental QOL (AOR 1.04 95% CI 1.01-1.07), less post-traumatic growth (AOR 1.01 95% CI 1.00-1.03), and social support (AOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.18-0.41) were associated with being single. Non-White race (AOR 3.19 95% CI 1.02-9.97) and less post-traumatic growth (AOR 0.97 95% CI 0.95-0.99) were associated with living with parents.

CONCLUSIONS

AYAs diagnosed with cancer experience differences in attainment of employment and independent living compared to a community sample. These challenges may have implications for physical and mental QOL.