Social Risk Prevalence in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients With and Without a History of Cancer

What is the prevalence of social risks among adolescent and young adult patients with and without cancer?In this cross-sectional study of 96 127 patients, 30% of those with cancer and 33% without cancer reported at least 1 social risk, with financial hardship being most common. Social risk was higher among patients aged 20 to 29 years and those with multiple comorbidities, prior medical financial assistance, or identifying as Hispanic, and a lower risk was observed among female patients, those with commercial insurance and longer health system membership, and residents of less-deprived areas.These findings reveal the magnitude of social risks among adolescent and young adult patients and emphasize the importance of routine screening to reduce disparities and promote equitable care.

Corresponding Author: Carol Y. Ochoa-Dominguez, PhD, MPH, Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Center for Health Equity Education and Research, University of California, San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037 (cyochoa@health.ucsd.edu).

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