Psychosocial, behavioral,
and pain outcomes in long-term survivors of childhood cancer
Progress in the treatment of malignancies diagnosed during childhood has
pressed researchers and clinicians to consider the quality of life of
young people who have successfully completed treatment.
Recent research suggests most survivors of childhood cancer are resilient
and do not experience psychological distress; however, certain subsets
of childhood cancer survivors are vulnerable to a variety of psychosocial
problems and challenges. The purpose of this work is to further our understanding
of the prevalence, characteristics and predictors of the psychosocial
health status, health risk behaviors, and pain sequelae among long-term
survivors of childhood cancer.
The aims of this study are:
1. To examine and compare quality of life, psychological distress (depression,
somatic distress, anxiety), health behaviors (tobacco and alcohol use,
exercise, medical care utilization, self-screening), and pain/physical
distress outcomes in childhood cancer survivors and a sibling control
group.
2. To examine the relationship of medical (diagnosis, intensity of treatment,
general health status), sociodemographic (age, gender, race/ethnicity,
education, employment), and psychosocial variables (social support, personality
characteristics, mood, significant life events) to quality of life in
survivors of childhood cancer.
This study is an initial step towards determining the current psychosocial
and behavioral health needs of young adult survivors of childhood cancer.
Information derived from this work will guide the development of pilot
programs/interventions aimed at enhancing quality of life and promoting
positive health behaviors for this population.