Promoting healthy development among survivors of adolescent cancer

Fam Community Health. 2008 Jan-Mar:31 Suppl 1:S61-70. doi: 10.1097/01.FCH.0000304019.98007.ae.

Abstract

Cancer-surviving adolescents face significant health challenges including both physical and psychological late effects as they transition to young adulthood. A cancer diagnosis during adolescence, a time of social independence and increased personal decision making, can cause significant social and emotional struggles that may impair the ability of the adolescent to make health-promoting decisions and avoid risky behaviors such as substance use. This article reports on the little studied experiences of adolescents who have survived cancer with a focus on developing programs and policies that address their health-promotion needs in both community and survivorship clinics.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Medicine / standards
  • Adolescent Medicine / trends*
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms*
  • Survivors / psychology
  • Survivors / statistics & numerical data*