Mental health of Adolescents and Young Adults Related to Cancer Patients: A Cross Sectional Comparative Study

Background: The diagnosis of cancer poses a load of grave emotional, mental and financial distress not only to the individual affected but also to their families and friends. The effect of cancer diagnosis on teenagers and young adults can be life changing, sometimes irreversibly. In this study, we undertake the mission of evaluating the incidence of generalized anxiety and depression among this population using standardized surveys and scoring systems.

Methods: A survey was distributed anonymously using Google Forms to reach the population subjects. The survey included general demographic questions, the 7 questions of the standardized GAD 7 to screen for anxiety and the 9 questions of the PHQ 9 standardized questionnaire screening for depression.

Results: Our results indicate a major increase in the incidence of both anxiety and depression among subjects with cancer affected family members and friends compared to those without. The anxiety and depression is as likely to affect adolescents and young adults. Females seem to be more prone to anxiety while males are more likely to become depressed under this pressure.

Conclusion: Adolescents and young adults are among the most emotionally vulnerable when a family member is diagnosed with cancer in the family. The multi-specialty teams caring for patients with cancer should include psychologists and psychiatrists trained to address the mental health of the cancer relatives involved.