Rochelle R Smits-Seemann1,2, Jaehee Yi3, Tian Tian3, Echo L Warner2, Anne C Kirchhoff1,2. 1. 1 Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah. 2. 2 Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah. 3. 3 College of Social Work, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This report examines facilitators and barriers to independence for a sample of survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer. METHODS: We conducted 53 semistructured, in-depth interviews with adult survivors of cancer diagnosed at ages 0-20 years. Researchers qualitatively coded themes to reflect responses to the question inquiring about how cancer may have affected survivors' independence from their parents. RESULTS: Among the 21 survivors who reported that cancer affected their independence, themes included challenges and motivators to independence following cancer. Challenges to independence included overprotection by parents, financial dependence, problems in healthcare decision-making, and emotional dependence. Motivators included self-confidence, desire for independence, parental support, and inadequate family support. CONCLUSION: Supportive care for survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers should include services to help them in their journey toward developmental independence.
PURPOSE: This report examines facilitators and barriers to independence for a sample of survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer. METHODS: We conducted 53 semistructured, in-depth interviews with adult survivors of cancer diagnosed at ages 0-20 years. Researchers qualitatively coded themes to reflect responses to the question inquiring about how cancer may have affected survivors' independence from their parents. RESULTS: Among the 21 survivors who reported that cancer affected their independence, themes included challenges and motivators to independence following cancer. Challenges to independence included overprotection by parents, financial dependence, problems in healthcare decision-making, and emotional dependence. Motivators included self-confidence, desire for independence, parental support, and inadequate family support. CONCLUSION: Supportive care for survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers should include services to help them in their journey toward developmental independence.
Authors: Joel Milam; Rhona Slaughter; Jessica L Tobin; Jennifer B Unger; Anamara Ritt-Olson; David R Freyer; Daniel Soto; Ann S Hamilton Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2018-07 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: Rochelle R Smits-Seemann; Sapna Kaul; Eduardo R Zamora; Yelena P Wu; Anne C Kirchhoff Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2016-08-31 Impact factor: 4.442
Authors: L M E van Erp; H Maurice-Stam; L C M Kremer; W J E Tissing; H J H van der Pal; A C H de Vries; M M van den Heuvel-Eibrink; B A B Versluys; M van der Heiden-van der Loo; G A Huizinga; M A Grootenhuis Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2021-02-01 Impact factor: 3.359