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 physical activity (PA) intervention trial. Methods YACS were categorized at baseline using the 5-item FRAIL scale: fatigue; weight loss; illness; ambulation; resistance. Chi-square tests compared frailty and non-cancer 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; mean ( M ) age = 33.4 ± 4.8 years, M =3.7 ± 2.4 years post-diagnosis), 11% frail, 17% prefrail; the most frequent criteria were fatigue (41%), resistance (38%), and ambulation (14%). Compared to BMI < 25, higher BMI was associated with increased likelihood of frailty (BMI 25–30, PR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.38–4.17; BMI > 30, PR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.71–5.08). Compared to 0, ≥ 30 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous PA was associated with reduced frailty (PR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.25–0.60). Most YACS (55%) reported ≥ 1 comorbidity, most frequently depression (38%), thyroid condition (19%), and hypertension (10%). Comorbidities were more common for women (59% vs. 37%) and current/former smokers (PR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.29–2.28). Conclusion Prevalence of frailty and comorbidities in this sample was similar to other YACS cohorts and older adults without cancer 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 increased risk for adverse health outcomes.