The Effect of Transition Clinics on Knowledge of Diagnosis and Perception of Risk in Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Improved treatment for pediatric cancers has ensured an evergrowing population of patients surviving into adulthood. The current study evaluated the impact of previous engagement in survivor care on patient knowledge and awareness of health risks as young adults. PROCEDURE: Young adult survivors of childhood cancers (N=93, M age=23.63 y) were recruited during their annual survivor clinic visit. Participants completed self-reported measures of demographics, treatment knowledge, perception of future health risks, participation in previous survivor care, and neurocognitive functioning.
RESULTS: In total, 82% of patients (N=76/93) reported previously participating in survivorship care. These patients were more likely to have knowledge of their radiation treatment (P=0.034) and more likely to recognize risk for future health effects from their treatment (P=0.019). Income between $10,000 and $24,999 (odds ratio=0.168; 95% confidence interval, 0.046-0.616; P=0.031) was associated with decreased patient knowledge regarding diagnosis. Male sex (odds ratio=0.324; 95% confidence interval, 0.135-0.777; P=0.012) was associated with less knowledge of future health risks. Patients with self-reported difficulties on the CCSS-NCQ were more likely to regard their cancer treatment as a future health risk.
CONCLUSION: Participation in survivor care plays an important role in imparting information to young adult survivors of pediatric cancer regarding their disease history and risk for future health problems.