Everyday life challenges among adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An in‐depth qualitative study
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Everyday life challenges among adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia : An in‐depth qualitative study. / Andrés-Jensen, Liv; Larsen, Hanne Bækgaard; Johansen, Christoffer; Frandsen, Thomas Leth; Schmiegelow, Kjeld; Wahlberg, Ayo.
I: Psycho-Oncology, Bind 29, Nr. 10, 11.10.2020, s. 1630-1637.Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskrift › Tidsskriftartikel › Forskning › fagfællebedømt
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Everyday life challenges among adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
T2 - An in‐depth qualitative study
AU - Andrés-Jensen, Liv
AU - Larsen, Hanne Bækgaard
AU - Johansen, Christoffer
AU - Frandsen, Thomas Leth
AU - Schmiegelow, Kjeld
AU - Wahlberg, Ayo
PY - 2020/10/11
Y1 - 2020/10/11
N2 - ObjectiveAs survival rates increase, growing numbers of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors are at risk for somatic and psychosocial late effects. Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors represent a distinct and vulnerable group. This study aimed to explore how AYA survivors of childhood ALL experience everyday life after cancer while adjusting to the potential impact of prior disease and treatment.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were performed with survivors aged 15‐22 years. Criterion‐based homogenous purposive sampling was used to identify similarities within the group. Data were analyzed using an inductive, thematic approach.ResultsData saturation occurred after 18 interviews. Identified themes included the post‐chemo body, negotiating identities, and disruption. More than 80% reported physical or cognitive late effects, but survivors adapted to these and had a positive view on own health. However, a co‐existing experience of frailty persisted. Social disruption during treatment had a negative impact on social relations even years following cure. Identity issues revolved around the paradox of seeking recognition for their cancer‐related experiences, while also wanting to be treated like everyone else. Some participants aged 18‐22 experienced delayed reactions and a new, but unmet, need to process the past.ConclusionsAYA survivors of childhood ALL adapt well to their new life situations, but many experience ongoing cancer‐related disruptions and experience not being fully understood. We suggest exploration and verbalization of these issues alongside somatic follow‐up around the age of 16‐18 years to support the AYA survivors during their transition into adulthood.
AB - ObjectiveAs survival rates increase, growing numbers of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors are at risk for somatic and psychosocial late effects. Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors represent a distinct and vulnerable group. This study aimed to explore how AYA survivors of childhood ALL experience everyday life after cancer while adjusting to the potential impact of prior disease and treatment.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were performed with survivors aged 15‐22 years. Criterion‐based homogenous purposive sampling was used to identify similarities within the group. Data were analyzed using an inductive, thematic approach.ResultsData saturation occurred after 18 interviews. Identified themes included the post‐chemo body, negotiating identities, and disruption. More than 80% reported physical or cognitive late effects, but survivors adapted to these and had a positive view on own health. However, a co‐existing experience of frailty persisted. Social disruption during treatment had a negative impact on social relations even years following cure. Identity issues revolved around the paradox of seeking recognition for their cancer‐related experiences, while also wanting to be treated like everyone else. Some participants aged 18‐22 experienced delayed reactions and a new, but unmet, need to process the past.ConclusionsAYA survivors of childhood ALL adapt well to their new life situations, but many experience ongoing cancer‐related disruptions and experience not being fully understood. We suggest exploration and verbalization of these issues alongside somatic follow‐up around the age of 16‐18 years to support the AYA survivors during their transition into adulthood.
KW - Faculty of Social Sciences
KW - adolescent
KW - cancer survivors
KW - leukemia
KW - long-term adverse effects
KW - pediatrics
KW - psycho-oncology
KW - qualitative research
KW - quality of life
KW - survivorship
KW - young adult
U2 - 10.1002/pon.5480
DO - 10.1002/pon.5480
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 32672854
VL - 29
SP - 1630
EP - 1637
JO - Psycho-Oncology
JF - Psycho-Oncology
SN - 1057-9249
IS - 10
ER -
ID: 244688303