Needs for information about lifestyle and rehabilitation in long-term young adult cancer survivors

Background Healthy lifestyle and rehabilitation may mitigate late effects after cancer treatment, but knowledge about lifestyle and rehabilitation information needs among long-term young adult cancer survivors (YACSs) (>= 5 years from diagnosis) is limited. The present study aimed to examine such information needs among long-term YACSs, and identify characteristics of those with needs. Material and methods The Cancer Registry of Norway identified long-term YACSs diagnosed with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, or malignant melanoma at the age of 19-39 years, between 1985 and 2009. Survivors were mailed a questionnaire, in which respondents reported their information needs on physical activity, diet, and rehabilitation services 5-30 years post-diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the prevalence of information needs and associated factors. Results Of 1488 respondents (a response rate of 42%), 947 were included. Median age at diagnosis was 35 years (range 19-39) and median observation time since diagnosis was 14 years (range 5-30). In total, 41% reported information needs for information about physical activity, 45% about diet, and 47% about rehabilitation services. Information needs were associated with higher treatment intensity, increasing number of late effects, and an unhealthy lifestyle. Conclusion A large proportion of long-term YACSs report information needs regarding lifestyle and/or rehabilitation more than a decade beyond treatment. Assessments of such information needs should become a part of long-term care of these cancer survivors.

Automated summary

The study found that long-term young adult cancer survivors often have information needs regarding lifestyle and rehabilitation, and these needs are associated with higher treatment intensity, increasing number of late effects, and an unhealthy lifestyle. It is recommended that assessments of these information needs become a part of long-term care for cancer survivors.