Frailty and Comorbidities Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors Enrolled in an mHealth Physical Activity Intervention Trial

PURPOSE: The physical frailty phenotype identifies individuals at risk for adverse health outcomes but has rarely been assessed among young adult cancer survivors (YACS). This study describes frailty status among YACS participating in a PA intervention trial. METHODS: YACS were categorized by frailty status at baseline using the 5-item FRAIL index: fatigue; weight loss; illness; ambulation; resistance. Chi-square tests compared frailty and comorbidities by characteristics. Prevalence rates (PRs) for the independent associations between characteristics, frailty, and comorbidities were estimated using modified Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Among 280 YACS (82% female, M=33.4±4.8 years, M=3.7±2.4 years post-diagnosis), 14% had frailty, and 24% prefrailty; the most frequent criteria were fatigue (70%), resistance (38%), and ambulation (14%). Compared to BMI <25, higher BMI (BMI 25–30, PR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.02–2.65; BMI > 30, PR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.46–3.81) was associated with increased frailty status. Compared to 0, 1–50 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous PA was associated with reduced frailty (PR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43–0.90). Most YACS (55%) reported ≥ 1 comorbidity, most frequently depression (38%), thyroid condition (19%), and hypertension (10%). Men were less likely to report comorbidities (PR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.42–0.93). Current/former smokers (PR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01–1.64) were more likely to have comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of frailty and comorbidities in this sample was similar to other YACS cohorts and may be an indicator of accelerated aging and increased risk for poor outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Assessment of frailty may help identify YACS at risk for adverse health outcomes.