Differences in Functioning Between Young Adults with Cancer and Older Age Groups: A Cross-sectional Study

Overview

Journal Eur J Cancer Care (Engl)

Publisher Wiley

Specialties Nursing
Oncology

Date 2022 Jul 17

PMID 35843622

Authors

Nanna Hejselbaek Andersen

Josephine Aagesen Christiansen

Karen la Cour

Maria Aagesen

Lars Hermann Tang

Dorthe Soested Joergensen

Marc Sampedro Pilegaard

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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 (-3.90: [95% CI: -6.84; -0.95]). The older age group also had a statistically significant worse physical functioning compared to young adults (-7.63: [95% CI: -11.29; -3.96]). Young adults had statistically significant lower role functioning (-7.11: [95% CI: -1.13; -13.08]) and cognitive functioning (-13.82: [95% CI: -7.35; -20.29]) 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.

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