The Impact of a Personal Cancer Diagnosis on the Psychological Health of Adolescent/Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background: Adolescent/young adult cancer survivors (AYACS), describing people diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years old across the cancer continuum, suffer from poor psychological health. Poor psychological health is associated with difficulty achieving professional goals, financial stress, and poorer health. Aims: The objective of this study was to use a mixed methods approach to understand AYACS’ perspectives on how a personal cancer diagnosis impacts psychological health. Methods: In this convergent mixed methods study, data from 35 AYACS participants were collected consisting of Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Anxiety and Depression measures, a sociodemographic survey, and semi-structured interviews. Results: Mixed methods integration revealed the following for AYACS across the cancer continuum: (1) A need for proactive and longitudinal addressal of psychological health; (2) Promotion of social connectedness as a means of coping with illness; (3) A need for innovative and age-appropriate coping strategies; and (4) Promotion of resilience to help improve psychological health. Conclusions: This study provides direction for intervention development to improve psychological health.