(P 221) QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PERIOPERATIVE EXPERIENCE OF YOUNG ADULT PATIENTS UNDERGOING EXTREMITY SARCOMA SURGERY

Objective: Young adults (YAs) with extremity sarcoma experience unique challenges and poorer oncologic outcomes compared to other patient populations. This interview-based study of YAs with resectable extremity sarcoma sought to understand challenges faced in the perioperative period, factors impacting the patient experience, and perceived barriers and facilitators to recovery after sarcoma surgery.

Methods: YAs with extremity sarcoma treated with surgery at a single NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center between 2019-2024 were eligible. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with questions focusing on how YAs experienced their initial diagnosis, treatment decision-making, provider communication, hospital experience, surgical cosmesis, post-operative support, and long-term recovery. Inductive coding by 3 investigators was performed to identify themes related to these facets of care.

Results: Demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics are detailed in Table 1. Participants reported feeling isolated as a result of being YAs at the time of their cancer diagnosis. Some reported their personal goals for functionality were more ambitious than their providers’. Ongoing medical debt, limited eligibility for financial assistance, and difficulty navigating health insurance were common among YAs. Fertility was another area in which additional support was desired.

Conclusion: Age-specific concerns affect the quality of life of YA patients during the perioperative period and survivorship. Peer support, YA-customized financial navigation, and conversations to align patients’ goals with surgeon expectations provide opportunities for intervention to improve care in this underserved cohort.

Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics.