Positive and negative survivor-specific psychosocial consequences of childhood cancer: the DCCSS-LATER 2 psycho-oncology study
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: Numerous studies investigated generic psychosocial outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer (CCS). The present study aimed to describe survivor-specific psychosocial consequences in CCS, and to identify socio-demographic and medical associated factors. METHODS: CCS from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS)-LATER cohort (diagnosed 1963-2001) part 2 (age ≥ 18 years, diagnosed < 18 years, ≥ 5 years since diagnosis) completed the Benefit & Burden Scale (BBSC) and the Impact of Cancer-Childhood Cancer (IOC-CS). Items were scored on a 5-point Likert scale (range 1-5). We examined outcomes with descriptive statistics, and socio-demographic and medical associated factors with regression analyses, corrected for multiple testing (p < 0.004). RESULTS: CCS, N = 1713, age mean (M) 36 years, 49% female, ≥ 15 years since diagnosis, participated. On average, CCS reported 'somewhat' Benefit (M = 2.9), and 'not at all' to 'a little' Burden (M = 1.5) of childhood cancer. Average scores on IOC-CS' positive impact scales ranged from 2.5 (Personal Growth) to 4.1 (Socializing), and on the negative impact scales from 1.4 (Financial Problems) to 2.4 (Thinking/Memory). Apart from cognitive problems, CCS reported challenges as worries about relationship status, fertility, and how cancer had affected siblings. Female sex was associated with more Personal Growth, and more negative impact. CCS more highly educated, partnered, and employed had higher positive and lower negative impact. CCS older at diagnosis reported more positive impact. CNS tumor survivors and those who had head/cranium radiotherapy had higher negative impact. CNS tumor survivors reported less positive impact. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The majority of CCS reported positive impact of cancer while most CCS reported little negative impact. While this may indicate resiliency in most CCS, health care providers should be aware that they can also experience survivor-specific challenges that warrant monitoring/screening, information provision and psychosocial support.
Source: Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Authors: Anne Maas, Heleen Maurice-Stam, Alied M. van der Aa-van Delden, Elvira C. van Dalen, Eline van Dulmen-den Broeder, Wim J. E. Tissing, Jacqueline J. Loonen, Helena J. H. van der Pal, Andrica C. H. de Vries, Marry M. van den Heuvel-Eibrink, Geert O. Janssens, Cécile Ronckers, Sebastian Neggers, Dorine Bresters, Marloes Louwerens, Birgitta A. B. Versluys, Margriet van der Heiden-van der Loo, Leontien C. M. Kremer, Marloes van Gorp, Martha A. Grootenhuis, on behalf of the Dutch LATER study group
Institutions: Princess Máxima Center, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Radboud University Medical Center, Erasmus MC, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Leiden University Medical Center, Willem-Alexander Kinderziekenhuis, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,190
Funder: Stichting Kinderen Kankervrij
Awards: G374427004, G6535902233
OpenAlex ID: W4376225449