Young adult (YA) cancer survivors' employment and educational outcomes: The WAYS pilot study

Work experience and education during young adulthood can influence near- and long-term job opportunities, with lasting financial implications. This study examined work ability and work outcomes among YA survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers. Cancer survivors aged 18-34 completed an online survey about work-related issues and outcomes. All 116 participants were diagnosed at age 15 or older, in remission, and off therapy or receiving maintenance therapies; most were female (86%) and non-Hispanic white (86%). Work ability, physical and mental quality of life (PROMIS global), current age, were compared by employment status, educational attainment, and time since treatment using t-tests and chi-square tests. Seventy-five percent of respondents were employed, 71% of whom held managerial/ professional jobs. Among the 91 participants aged 25 and older, 81% were college graduates. Respondents’ mean global work ability (GWA) value on a 0-10 scale, with 10 indicating best work, was 8.2; 20% and 28% reported that their physical and mental work abilities, respectively, were moderate to poor. Having completed treatment at least two years ago was associated with better global and mental work ability. Increased GWA, better physical health, and increased age were associated with being employed. Among survivors ages 25 and older, better physical health was associated with having a bachelor’s degree. Increased household resources at age 16 were associated with employment. Poor physical health was associated with cancer survivors’ employment and educational attainment in this highly educated sample. Further research on work outcomes of YA cancer survivors with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds is warranted.