HCP-11: WHAT DO YOUNG ADULTS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER INTEND TO DO WITH UNRESTRICTED GRANT FUNDING?

BACKGROUND: In 2012, 41% of young adults in the U.S. enrolled in college. Many have predetermined career goals, but plans may change following a cancer diagnosis. Depletion of financial resources by medical and travel expenses often prompts a search for funding. However, there are limited patient-reported data regarding the purpose for requests of financial support, and how this might relate to career goals of young adults following a cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Demographic data, personal statements, and physician letters were obtained from young (15-30 yr) adults with cancer, applying for unrestricted grant support to a non-profit organization (Nicki Leach Foundation). Demographic data included: age, sex, histologic subtype; treating location [West (W); South (S); Midwest (MW); Northeast (NE)]; type of facility [university (U); academic medical center (AMC); community medical center (CMC)]; independence for activities of daily living (ADL); and time from diagnosis. Patients were asked to specify the primary purpose for use of funding. Descriptive statistical methods were performed. All patients provided written consent for use of data. RESULTS: 247 pts were studied. Mean age was 20 yrs (S.D.-2.97, range, 15-29); 63% were female, and 37% males. Mean time from diagnosis was 20.5 mos. (S.D.-2.97, range 1-245). Patients were from 40 different states (Midwest-30%; South-29%; Northeast-24%; West-17%), and 161 different treatment facilities (CMC-39%; U-36%; AMC-25%). The most frequent cancers included: leukemia (30%); CNS tumors (17%); lymphoma (13%); sarcoma (12%) or other (28%). Most (85%) declared independence for ADL. The most common patient-reported purposes for requesting funding included: college expenses (70%); living expenses (16%); medical expenses (7%); computers (6%); automobiles (2%); or other educational expenses (2%). CONCLUSIONS: In our analysis, 70% of young adults with cancer request financial support for college. We postulate that young patients are not dissuaded from pursuing educational and career goals, despite the uncertainty introduced by a cancer diagnosis.