Psychological impact of lymphoma on adolescents and young adults: Not a matter of black or white

F.M. Drost, F. Mols, S.E. Kaal, W.B. Stevens, W.T. van der Graaf, J.B. Prins, O. Husson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine differences in perceived impact of cancer (IOC) between adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 18-35 years at cancer diagnosis), adults (36-64 years) and elderly (65-84 years) with a history of (non-)Hodgkin lymphoma. Furthermore, to investigate the association of socio-demographic, clinical and psychological characteristics with IOC; and the association between IOC and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among AYAs only. This study is part of a population-based PROFILES registry survey among lymphoma patients diagnosed between 1999 and 2009. Patients (n = 1.281) were invited to complete the IOCv1 and EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaires. Response rate was 67 % (n = 861). AYA lymphoma survivors scored higher on the positive IOC summary scale, compared to adult and elderly patients (p <0.001), while no significant differences were observed for negative IOC. Among AYAs, females, survivors with a partner, and survivors with elevated psychological distress levels scored significantly higher on the negative IOC summary scale. The negative IOC summary scale was negatively associated with all EORTC QLQ-C30 functioning scales (beta ranging from -0.39 to -0.063; p <0.05). The positive IOC summary scale was negatively associated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 subscale 'Emotional functioning' (beta = -0.24; p <0.05). AYA, adult and elderly with a history of (non-)Hodgkin lymphoma experienced different types of IOC in terms of positive and negative aspects. Although AYAs experience a more positive IOC compared to older survivors, some AYAs experience more negative IOC and may require developmentally appropriate interventions to address their specific concerns.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)726-735
JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship
Volume10
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

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