Psychosocial Aftercare for Survivors of Pediatric Cancer

Introduction: Increasing survival of children and adolescents with cancer raises questions about their quality of life and psychosocial adjustment.

Methods: Recent epidemiological findings and a pilot intervention study are demonstrated.

Results: Awareness for late effects among survivors is lacking. In accordance with international studies, a recent German study with 820 now adult long-term survivors of cancer during adolescence found that one of four survivors had posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders or depressive disorders, but only 12% received psychosocial treatment. Survivors experienced a delay of their social and vocational development and reported less life satisfaction compared to the control group without a history of cancer, whereas educational outcomes and employment status were equal. Preliminary results of an ongoing pilot study providing cognitive-behavioral interventions via internet demonstrate good feasibility and acceptance.

Conclusions: Many survivors develop clinically relevant psychosocial late effects into adulthood. Aftercare should integrate patient education on potential late effects, screening for psychological symptoms and evidence-based interventions for those in need.