Mental health of long-term survivors of childhood and young adult cancer: A systematic review

Abstract

Childhood cancer is increasing in prevalence whilst survival rates are improving. The prevalence of adult survivors of childhood cancer is consequently increasing. Many survivors suffer long-term consequences of their cancer treatment. Whilst many of these are well documented, relatively little is known about the mental health of survivors of childhood cancer. This article aimed to describe the prevalence and spectrum of mental health problems found in adult survivors of childhood cancer using a systematic review methodology. Our review included 67 articles, describing a number of problems, including depression, anxiety, behavioural problems and drug misuse. Factors increasing the likelihood of mental health problems included treatment with high-dose anthracyclines, cranial irradiation, diagnoses of sarcoma or central nervous system tumours and ongoing physical ill health. There were numerous limitations to the studies we found, including use of siblings of survivors as a control group, self-report methodology and lack of indications for prescriptions when prescribing data were used. This review has identified many mental health problems experienced by survivors of childhood cancer; however, the exact incidence, prevalence and risk-factors for their development remain unclear. Further work to identify childhood cancer patients who are at risk of developing late mental health morbidity is essential.