Social Networks of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

A cancer diagnosis disrupts the social networks of adolescents and young adults (AYAs), impacting their overall health and wellbeing. This cross-sectional study examined the social network integration (SNI; size and frequency of contact) of AYAs with cancer in Canada. A survey was distributed to AYAs with cancer at an urban cancer centre and across Canada (n = 334). SNI was measured with the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (SNI) and a modified version accounting for online interactions (SNI+). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with SNI and SNI+. A total of 54.8% and 68% of AYAs with cancer were classified as socially integrated with each measure, respectively. Living with others was associated with greater SNI and SNI+ (SNI OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.39, 7.72; SNI+ OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.14, 5.58), and an annual personal income of >CAD 80,000 was associated with greater SNI+ (SNI+ OR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.09, 7.77). A significant proportion of AYAs with cancer are socially isolated. AYAs with cancer who live alone and whose personal income is less than CAD 80,000 are at a higher risk of social isolation. Digital technology could be leveraged to increase the SNI of AYAs with cancer.