People Treated for Cancer at a Young Age Are More Social Than Their Peers

Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors generally have stronger social relationships than peers without cancer. We share data from the first study comparing their healthy social connections with those of peers.

The study presents a developed and validated method for assessing social ties after cancer treatment.

Researchers found that their functional social network index better measured coping with life's challenges than two traditional methods previously used to assess survivors' relationships.

Rather than measuring structures such as marital status or community membership, it evaluates networks of friends and relatives as emotional support sources, and approaches to weight management and physical activity.

The study also found survivors more prone than undiagnosed peers to inactivity and obesity .

Social relationships were examined in people aged 18 to 30: 102 adolescent and young adult cancer patients and 102 without a cancer history. Online surveys detailed relationships with nearly 25 friends and relatives. Survivors were aged 15 to 30 at diagnosis, and most were at least five years beyond treatment. Compared with those without cancer, they had stronger ties with friends, doctors and relatives.

This nevertheless varied by diagnosis. Lymphoma survivors ranked highest for social relationships, followed by leukemia and solid tumors. Brain and central nervous system cancer survivors also formed closer connections than peers without cancer.

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Strong networks were associated with more support, a more constructive attitude, future planning and positive emotions. This emphasizes addressing distress and loneliness.

Researchers are exploring connections, ways to strengthen them and their health effects. They believe a lack of ties with friends and relatives may be associated with lower quality of life, risky health behaviors, chronic conditions and early death. After clarifying these relationships, they plan interventions using social networks to improve survivors' health.

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