Risk of cancer-related distress by age in colorectal cancer survivors: The modulatory role of unmet support needs.

ABSTRACT

To explore the modulating role of unmet support needs on the relationship between age and the prevalence of cancer-related distress in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Two hundred and forty four participants completed the questionnaires; linear regression and odd ratios were calculated. Both the prevalence of needs and their interaction with age were predictors of cancer-related distress. The risk of significant clinically distress associated with physical and socio/family needs was high in both age subgroups. Higher risk of clinical distress was associated with life perspective, sexual, occupational and health care needs in the younger subgroup and with needs for specific support resources in the older subgroup. In reducing cancer-related distress, two key issues arise (i) the importance of managing the persistent negative symptoms following CRC treatment in survivors of any age and (ii) the need for a differentiated attention to other care needs based on the survivor's age.