Psychological challenges and adaptation in long-term survivors of childhood cancer

Abstract

While the majority of childhood cancer survivors will have successful psychosocial adaptation after treatment, childhood cancer and its associated late-effects increase the risk for adaptive challenges and psychological symptoms later in life. In this chapter we focus on understanding the psychological and adaptive challenges that arise in this population in the areas of psychological symptoms, quality-of-life (QOL), and social adaptation. Risk factors for poor psychosocial and QOL outcomes, as well as high-risk survivor groups, and the role of professionals in identifying and addressing survivors with poor adaptive outcomes are also presented. Results of research studies, particularly studies of large cohorts of survivors are presented to frame the prevalence and types of problems common in this group, and information and case examples drawn from clinical experience are presented to complement this research and to illuminate the effects of cancer on individual survivors.