Problems related to the diagnosis and treatment of adolescents with leukemia.

This descriptive study investigated the problems related to the diagnosis and treatment of adolescents diagnosed with leukemia. Subjects were 8 females and 22 males diagnosed with leukemia for at least one year and who received outpatient treatment. The study found that the information needs of the adolescents related more to the treatment and the prognosis of the disease than to the etiology. All subjects reported that they experienced physical problems relevant to the disease and the treatment, and 50% reported that they experienced social problems. Also, their social problems decreased as the time period after the diagnosis increased and subjects were in the remission stage. Adolescents also have fears and concerns related to the side effects of treatment and prognosis. Especially in the recurrence stage, their fears and concerns about death are increased. Friends and family relationships of the adolescents changed, and their future life plans were disrupted after the disease.