Psychosocial symptomatology, personal growth, and development among young adult patients following the diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma.

Leukemias and lymphomas, especially Hodgkin's disease, are common cancers in young adults. Young adulthood is also a critical period for psychological and social development. The occurrence of cancer can interfere with the development of independence, self-image, and life goals of young adult patients. Young adult patients with leukemia or lymphoma, especially those with less favorable prognoses, experience areas of significant personal growth and maturation during their illness and treatment. Close family and social supports report as much psychosocial stress, and in many cases more stress, than the patients themselves, but similar patterns of personal growth are rarely seen.