Psychiatric aspects of pediatric cancer.

Recent progress in the understanding of psychological and social factors related to cancer is important because cancer is the most common fatal disease of childhood and adolescence. Research interest in children and adolescents who have survived cancer also has increased over the past several years. Attention has focused on the long-term social outcomes of these children and adolescents. With increased survival, quality-of-life issues have assumed a more prominent role in the treatment protocols being developed for childhood cancer. The presence of long-lasting uncertainty about recurrence of the disease or second malignancy together with recognition of cognitive and physical side effects of treatment make childhood cancer a potentially chronic condition. Survivors experience actual or potential threats to future health; more than half have medical cognitive or psychological problems.