Background: Sarcomas account for almost 11% of all cancers in adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 18-39 years). AYAs are increasingly recognized as a distinct oncological age group with its own... Show moreBackground: Sarcomas account for almost 11% of all cancers in adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 18-39 years). AYAs are increasingly recognized as a distinct oncological age group with its own psychosocial challenges and biological characteristics. Social functioning has been shown to be one of the most severely affected domains of health-related quality of life in AYA cancer survivors. This study aims to identify AYA sarcoma survivors with impaired social functioning (ISF) and determine clinical and psychosocial factors associated with ISF. Methods: AYAs from the population-based cross-sectional sarcoma survivorship study (SURVSARC) were included (n = 176). ISF was determined according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 social functioning scale, and age- and sex-matched norm data were used as reference. Results: The median time since diagnosis was 6.2 years (range, 1.8-11.2). More than one-quarter (28%) of AYA sarcoma survivors experienced ISF. Older age, higher tumor stage, comorbidities, lower experienced social support, uncertainty in relationships, feeling less attractive, sexual inactivity, unemployment, and financial difficulties were associated with ISF. In a multivariable analysis, unemployment (OR, 3.719; 95% CI, 1.261-10.967) and having to make lifestyle changes because of financial problems caused by one's physical condition or medical treatment (OR, 3.394; 95% CI, 1.118-10.300) were associated with ISF; better experienced social support was associated with non-ISF (OR, 0.739; 95% CI, 0.570-0.957). Conclusion: More than one-quarter of AYA sarcoma survivors experience ISF long after diagnosis. These results emphasize the importance of follow-up care that is not only disease-oriented but also focuses on the psychological and social domains. Plain Language Summary Sarcomas account for almost 11% of all cancers in adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 18-39 years). The AYA group is increasingly recognized as a distinct oncological age group with its own psychosocial challenges and biological characteristics.Social functioning has been shown to be severely affected in AYA cancer survivors.A population-based questionnaire study to identify AYA sarcoma survivors with impaired social functioning (ISF) and determine factors associated with ISF was conducted. More than one-quarter of AYA sarcoma survivors experience ISF long after diagnosis. These results emphasize the importance of follow-up care that is not only disease-orientated but also focuses on the psychological and social domains. Show less
Deudekom, F.J. van; Velden, L.A. van der; Zijl, W.H.; Schimberg, A.S.; Langeveld, A.P.; Slingerland, M.; ... ; Mooijaart, S.P. 2019
Background The aim is to describe the association of functional capacity and cognitive functioning with 1-year mortality in older patients with cancer in the head and neck region. Methods We... Show moreBackground The aim is to describe the association of functional capacity and cognitive functioning with 1-year mortality in older patients with cancer in the head and neck region. Methods We performed a cohort study in which all patients aged 70 years and older received a geriatric screening before treatment. Main outcome was 1-year mortality. Results A total of 102 patients were included. Median age was 78.7 years (interquartile range [IQR], 72.3-84.5), 25% were cognitive impaired, 40% were malnourished, and 28.4% used a walking device. Overall, 1-year mortality was 42.3%. Male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 4.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-13.67), malnutrition (HR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.19-5.16), and using a walking device (HR, 2.80; 95% CI 1.13-6.93) were associated with higher mortality risk, independent of stage and comorbidities. Conclusion In older patients with head and neck cancer, the mortality rates are high. Nutritional status and mobility are determinants of 1-year mortality, independent of tumor stage, age, and comorbidity. Show less
Saris, I.M.J.; Aghajani, M.; Werff, S.J.A. van der; Wee, N.J.A. van der; Penninx, B.W.J.H. 2017
