Interpersonal impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment: A mixed methods study among young adult cancer survivors

Authors

Kyla Dennis, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Hannah Arem, Healthcare Delivery Research, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA.
Darcey M. McCready, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Afrah Howlader, Department of Health Policy and Management, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Sheena Shajan, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Palash Bhanot, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Lillian Shaffer, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Laura C. Schubel, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Carla J. Berg, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-23-2025

Journal

Journal of psychosocial oncology

DOI

10.1080/07347332.2025.2602620

Keywords

Cancer survivorship; interpersonal well-being; mental health; positive psychology; quality of life; reproduction; young adult cancer survivors

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examined cancer-related disruptions to family, friend, and intimate relationships, as well as fertility/reproduction, and related implications regarding hope among young adults. METHODS: We analyzed data from young adult survivors (ages 18-39) who participated in: 1) qualitative interviews (April-July, 2023; n = 23) regarding cancer's social/reproductive impacts; and 2) surveys (February-September, 2024; n = 155) assessing quality of life (FACT-G and PROMIS) and hope. RESULTS: Interview themes included cancer's impacts on: relationships with friends/family (increased prioritization of family/relationships, unanticipated reconnections, role disruption, others not relating or providing support); intimate relationships (importance of spouses/partners, disclosure to potential partners); and reproduction (family planning disruptions). Multivariable linear regression models indicated that higher scores on FACT-G social well-being and PROMIS participating in social roles/activities were associated with higher hope, adjusting for covariates and other quality of life measures. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions for this population targeting hope and navigating social relationships/roles may enhance quality of life.

APA Citation

Dennis, Kyla; Arem, Hannah; McCready, Darcey M.; Howlader, Afrah; Shajan, Sheena; Bhanot, Palash; Shaffer, Lillian; Schubel, Laura C.; and Berg, Carla J., "Interpersonal impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment: A mixed methods study among young adult cancer survivors" (2025). GW Authored Works. Paper 8366.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/8366

Department

Prevention and Community Health