Neurocognitive Dysfunction and Psychosocial Issues

Abstract

Childhood cancer is a life-threatening disease and has a major impact on patient and family. Diagnosis is followed by intense treatment putting patients at high risk for late adverse outcomes, including neurocognitive deficits and psychosocial problems, such as psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fatigue, low educational achievement, and unemployment. Psychosocial health in childhood cancer survivors is often interrelated; psychological distress expressed as low mood, depression, and anxiety are associated with insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality and fatigue, as well as with lack of employment and low income. Survivors of central nervous system (CNS) tumors and those who received cranial radiation are at particular high risk for any of these problems, but also women and children who were diagnosed at a younger age. Preventive measures during cancer treatment are important. But also continued support and if necessary treatment during the whole cancer trajectory and into long-term follow-up of adult is necessary to reduce problems and improve quality of survivorship.