A literature review of adolescence and cancer.

Cancer is a relatively rare phenomenon in adolescents and a traumatic experience which arouses feelings of anger, anxiety, fear and sadness. For the adolescent with cancer, there are missed opportunities, not only in daily life but also through lost social events such as dances or football games with friends. Adolescent cancer patients may understand the implications of the diagnosis of cancer but lack the personal resources or life event experience which could equip them to cope and make sense of the many potential problems which may accompany cancer. This paper reviews and explores the literature associated with the adolescent with cancer.