Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in early to mid-adulthood are challenged by high symptom burden and age-related stressors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces symptoms and improves quality of life in cancer patients. We developed a CBT-based mHealth coping skills training program (mCOPE) to reduce pain, fatigue and distress for younger CRC patients. The current analysis aims to characterize mCOPE trial participants and to examine baseline correlations among demographic, clinical, and symptom variables.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of baseline data from an ongoing RCT testing the efficacy of mCOPE (N=165). Eligible patients were 18-50 years old with CRC diagnosis (stage I-IV) within the last 3 years, and ≥3/10 on 2/3 symptoms of pain, fatigue, and distress. Demographic (age, sex, marital status, race, education), clinical (time since diagnosis, cancer stage, CRC family history) and symptom-related variables (pain [BPI], fatigue [PROMIS], distress [BSI-18], self-efficacy for managing symptoms [PROMIS]) were collected via self-report and chart review. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used to characterize the sample and examine relationships among variables.

Results: Participants (53% female, 70% White, M age=42, 38% some college or less, 75% married/partnered, 48% stage IV, 26% CRC family history, M=1 year post-diagnosis) on average endorsed mild-moderate baseline levels of pain severity (M=3.0, SD=2.1), fatigue (M=55.9, SD=7.1), and distress (M=.91, SD=.7), and below average self-efficacy (M T-score=46.4, SD=7.6). Pain, fatigue and distress were moderately to highly correlated (r’s .38-.68, p’s<.01). Self-efficacy was inversely correlated with symptom severity (r’s -.26 to -.5, p’s<.01). Being unmarried/single was associated with greater pain severity (r=.17) and distress (r=.21) and lower levels of self-efficacy (r=-.17) (p’s<.05). Having less than a bachelor’s degree was associated with greater pain severity (r=-.27) and distress (r=-.16) (p’s<.05). Female sex was associated with greater fatigue (r=.16, p<.05). Age, race, and clinical variables were not significantly associated with symptoms.

Conclusion: Exploring baseline characteristics associated with symptoms in younger patients with CRC can help identify potential intervention moderators. Correlations among pain, fatigue, and distress at baseline indicate a need for accessible interventions like mCOPE that address this constellation of symptoms.