September 01, 2022
The study found half of young adult cancer survivors who were six or more years post-treatment showed significantly worse mental health compared to 9% of their peers without cancer. Other findings include:
- One in two young adult cancer survivors experience significant symptoms of depression or anxiety;
- One in six spend hours every day worrying about a cancer recurrence;
- Eighty-six percent of young adults diagnosed with cancer reported poor sleep quality; and
- Those who feel connected to a young adult cancer community have lower levels of distress, fewer body image issues and see a positive effect on emotions and behaviour, plus better overall mental health compared to those who aren’t involved with such a community.