The impact of colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment on quality of life is increased in young patients.

[OBJECTIVES] This study aims to assess the Quality of Life (QoL) in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer (EOCRC) patients compared to older CRC (OCRC) patients, addressing unique challenges and concerns and their impacts on QoL.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] A mixed-method approach was employed, including validated QoL tools (the WHOQOL-BREF, the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29) and in-depth interviews. All patients completed a one-time survey regardless of cancer stage and treatment journey. Survey data was analysed using descriptive statistics with R version 4.3.1 and interview data was analysed using the Van-Manen method.

[RESULTS] Ninety-three patients completed the survey, comprising 53 EOCRC and 40 OCRC patients, of whom 10 from each group consented to the interview. EOCRC patients exhibited significantly lower scores in psychological aspects compared to the OCRC cohort (52.3 ± 20.5 vs 66.4 ± 15.8, p = 0.0009, WHOQOL-BREF). They also reported more severe emotional problems (34.6 vs 60.8, p = 0.0002, QLQ-C30), greater embarrassment about their condition (44.7 vs 27.4, p = 0.04), higher levels of anxiety (22.0 vs 49.2, p = 0.00007), more concerns about weight (35.2 vs 51.7, p = 0.04) and body image (41.7 vs 65.6, p = 0.001, QLQ-CR29) compared to their older counterparts. The qualitative interviews identified three primary themes: headspace, physical impacts, and future. The challenges and effects on QoL experienced by younger individuals are clearly reflected in altered body image and psychological distress.

[CONCLUSION] EOCRC patients face significant psychological and emotional challenges compared to OCRC patients, emphasizing the need for tailored support and intervention programs across the disease trajectory to address their unique challenges.