An Investigation of Social Status among Adolescents and Young Adults Who Have Been Diagnosed with Cancer in Canada

Abstract

Background: Aims were to: (1) compare social status among AYAs diagnosed with cancer to a community population; (2) describe AYAs’ change in employment/education status; and (3) examine predictors of social status. Method: Social status (i.e., education, employment, relationship status, and living arrangement) was captured from young adults diagnosed with cancer recruited via social media through a community-based organization from across Canada and randomly matched to a community sample by sex, age, province of residence, total household income and race/ethnicity at a ratio of 1:3. Results: AYAs with cancer (N = 622) were an average of 4.45 (SD = 5.42) years from the completion of treatment and were less likely to be employed (χ2 = 96.35, p < 0.001) and more likely to be living at home with parents (χ2 = 17.00, p < 0.001). There were no differences in education or relationship status. Overall, 41% and 45% of AYAs reported quitting school or work, respectively. Non-metastatic disease (AOR 3.23, 95% CI 1.08–9.62), and better physical (AOR 1.07 95% CI 1.04–1.10) and mental quality of life (QOL)(AOR 1.06 95% CI 1.03–1.09), were associated with employment. Worse mental QOL (AOR 1.04 95% CI 1.01–1.07), less post-traumatic growth (AOR 1.01 95% CI 1.00–1.03), and social support (AOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.18–0.41) were associated with being single. Non-White race (AOR 3.19 95% CI 1.02–9.97) and less post-traumatic growth (AOR 0.97 95% CI 0.95–0.99) were associated with living with parents. Conclusions: AYAs diagnosed with cancer experience differences in attainment of employment and independent living compared to a community sample. These challenges may have implications for physical and mental QOL.