A study of quality of life and unmet needs in young adult cancer.

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Background: The global rise in cancer among young adults (AYAs) has shifted the focus of oncology from acute treatment outcomes to long-term, comprehensive quality of care. Despite advancements in clinical management, AYAs face unique life-stage disruptions, including career instability, financial toxicity, and profound psychosocial distress, that traditional care models frequently overlook. Maintaining high quality of life (QoL) in cancer care requires addressing the multidimensional needs of survivors beyond clinical remission. This study sought to identify unmet needs, financial toxicity, and healthcare navigation barriers within a cohort to inform future process improvements and support strategies in oncological delivery. Methods: A pilot survey (N = 37) was conducted targeting the AYA population (78.4% aged 26–39). The survey used patient-reported outcome measures to assess the impact of a cancer diagnosis on daily activities and responsibilities outside clinical care. Results: 78.4% of respondents were white and primarily female. Findings revealed significant functional and economic disruptions: 71% of respondents reported difficulty maintaining household tasks, and 56% experienced a loss of employment or reduced hours. Financial toxicity was prevalent, with 49% reporting money problems and 43% struggling with treatment costs. Physical health (n = 21) and emotional well-being (n = 15) were identified as the primary patient priorities. However, significant quality gaps were found in psychosocial and survivorship-specific communication. Furthermore, 29% of participants reported difficulty navigating the healthcare system, and 17% reported trouble understanding medical information. Conclusions: Preliminary data underscore a critical disconnect between clinical treatment and the functional realities of cancer survivorship. There is a disconnect between patient-identified priorities and the current quality of clinical support. High rates of concern regarding body image, discrimination, and functional daily living tasks suggest that standard oncology care models may under-prioritize the "hidden" psychosocial and functional components of survivorship. To improve the quality of care, clinical workflows must integrate systematic screenings for these concerns and foster more proactive communication regarding long-term family risk and sexual health.