Cohort study of mental health trajectories among US survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer

A cohort study using US nationally representative data from the Health and Retirement Study (39,688 participants) foud that adult survivors of AYA cancer had higher prevalence rates of mental health concerns compared with those who received a diagnosis as adults or individuals without cancer. The sample as a whole followed an age-dependent U-shaped trajectory for depression and anxiety symptoms, with AYA cancer survivors reporting the highest symptom severities over the lifespan, although demonstrating a flattening of anxiety symptoms in older age. The authors conclude that AYA cancer survivors face substantial mental health challenges into later adulthood, indicating a need for continued support.