Daniel A Pahl1, Matthew S Wieder2, Dara M Steinberg3. 1. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA. Electronic address: dap2150@cumc.columbia.edu. 2. Montefiore Medical Center, 3332 Rochambeau Ave, 3rd Floor, Bronx, NY, 10467, USA. Electronic address: mwieder28@gmail.com. 3. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology & Stem Cell Transplantation: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, IP-7, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, IP-7, New York, NY, 10032, USA. Electronic address: dms2207@cumc.columbia.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Cancer may cause significant disruptions in normal adolescent development particularly in social domains. Both treatment and survivorship pose challenges to fostering social connections. To better understand these challenges, we conducted a systematic literature review of the experience of social isolation and connectedness in adolescents with cancer and adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS: A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted following PRISMA Guidelines. Eligible articles included original peer-reviewed research published in English between January 2000 and April 2020 that reported on social domains of patients and survivors of cancer between the ages of 10-21. Initial database search identified 4606 articles with 43 studies meeting inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Results were synthesized into four domains: (1) the prevalence of connectedness/isolation; (2) risk factors associated with social isolation; (3) protective factors against social isolation; (4) the impact of social isolation on psychological health. Overall, adolescent patients and survivors of cancer have satisfactory social connectedness. However, certain subgroups including those with central nervous system tumors are at higher risk of social isolation. CONCLUSIONS: In general, adolescent cancer patients and survivors report levels of social connectedness consistent with healthy adolescent population norms. The risk and protective factors identified in this review may help serve as important indicators for psychosocial screening and interventions. These findings are particularly relevant in the COVID-19 era as all adolescents face challenges to social connections and psychosocial development.
INTRODUCTION:Cancer may cause significant disruptions in normal adolescent development particularly in social domains. Both treatment and survivorship pose challenges to fostering social connections. To better understand these challenges, we conducted a systematic literature review of the experience of social isolation and connectedness in adolescents with cancer and adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS: A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted following PRISMA Guidelines. Eligible articles included original peer-reviewed research published in English between January 2000 and April 2020 that reported on social domains of patients and survivors of cancer between the ages of 10-21. Initial database search identified 4606 articles with 43 studies meeting inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Results were synthesized into four domains: (1) the prevalence of connectedness/isolation; (2) risk factors associated with social isolation; (3) protective factors against social isolation; (4) the impact of social isolation on psychological health. Overall, adolescent patients and survivors of cancer have satisfactory social connectedness. However, certain subgroups including those with central nervous system tumors are at higher risk of social isolation. CONCLUSIONS: In general, adolescent cancerpatients and survivors report levels of social connectedness consistent with healthy adolescent population norms. The risk and protective factors identified in this review may help serve as important indicators for psychosocial screening and interventions. These findings are particularly relevant in the COVID-19 era as all adolescents face challenges to social connections and psychosocial development.
Authors: Sharon H J Hou; Andrew Tran; Sara Cho; Caitlin Forbes; Victoria J Forster; Mehak Stokoe; Elleine Allapitan; Claire E Wakefield; Lori Wiener; Lauren C Heathcote; Gisela Michel; Pandora Patterson; Kathleen Reynolds; Fiona S M Schulte Journal: Front Psychol Date: 2022-05-30
Authors: Selina R van den Oever; Saskia M F Pluijm; Rod Skinner; Adam Glaser; Renée L Mulder; Saro Armenian; Edit Bardi; Claire Berger; Matthew J Ehrhardt; Jordan Gilleland Marchak; Gabrielle M Haeusler; Jaap den Hartogh; Lars Hjorth; Tomas Kepak; Izolda Kriviene; Thorsten Langer; Miho Maeda; Catalina Márquez-Vega; Gisela Michel; Monica Muraca; Mohamed Najib; Paul C Nathan; Anna Panasiuk; Maya Prasad; Jelena Roganovic; Anne Uyttebroeck; Jeanette F Winther; Lorna Zadravec Zaletel; Elvira C van Dalen; Helena J H van der Pal; Melissa M Hudson; Leontien C M Kremer Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2022-01-12 Impact factor: 4.442