Functional quality of life among newly diagnosed young adult colorectal cancer survivors compared to older adults: results from the ColoCare Study

Purpose Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are increasing among young adults (YAs) aged 18–39. This study compared quality of life (QOL) between YA and older adult CRC survivors in the ColoCare Study. Methods Participants were grouped by age (years) as follows: 18–39 (YA), 40–49, 50–64, and 65 + . Functional QOL (physical, social, role, emotional, cognitive) and global QOL were assessed with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 at enrollment, 3, 6, and 12 months. Average scores were compared between groups over time using longitudinal mixed-effect modeling. Proportions with clinically meaningful QOL impairment were calculated using age-relevant thresholds and compared between groups over time using logistic regression with mixed effects. Results Participants ( N = 1590) were n = 81 YAs, n = 196 aged 40–49, n = 627 aged 50–64, and n = 686 aged 65 + . Average physical function was better among YAs than participants aged 50–64 ( p = 0.010) and 65 + ( p