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Quality of Life Research

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Open Access 01-05-2022 | Care

“I don’t take for granted that I am doing well today”: a mixed methods study on well-being, impact of cancer, and supportive needs in long-term childhood cancer survivors

Authors: Manya Jerina Hendriks, Nathalie Hartmann, Erika Harju, Katharina Roser, Gisela Michel

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 5/2022

Abstract

Purpose

With increasing numbers of childhood cancer survivors (CCS), it is important to identify the impact of cancer and CCS’ needs for support services that can mitigate the long-term impact on psychosocial wellbeing, including health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We aimed (1) to describe survivors’ wellbeing, impact of cancer, and supportive care needs and (2) to determine how socio-demographic or clinical characteristics and impact of cancer relate to survivors’ unmet needs.

Method

In this mixed methods study, a quantitative survey was used to assess HRQOL, psychological distress, impact of cancer, and supportive care needs. Qualitative interviews were conducted to explore the meaning of wellbeing, health, and impact of cancer.

Results

Overall, 69 CCS participated in the survey of which 28 participated in qualitative interviews (aged ≥ 18 years, diagnosed with cancer ≤ 18 years). Few CCS (13%) reported poor physical HRQOL, but almost half reported poor mental HRQOL (49%) and psychological distress (42%). Health was considered to encompass both: physical and emotional aspects of wellbeing. Cancer positively impacted CCS’ ability to care and attitude towards life, whereas relationships and insurance were negatively impacted. Risks for unmet needs increased in CCS with self-reported low health status, late effects, psychological distress, with older age at study or longer time since end of treatment.

Conclusion

In our study, many CCS experienced various psychosocial, psychological and informational unmet needs, indicating that survivors’ needs are currently not duly addressed. Current efforts to provide supportive psychosocial care in Switzerland should be further operationalized to provide adequate support.

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Title: “I don’t take for granted that I am doing well today”: a mixed methods study on well-being, impact of cancer, and supportive needs in long-term childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Manya Jerina Hendriks
Nathalie Hartmann
Erika Harju
Katharina Roser
Gisela Michel
Publication date: 01-05-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Care
Published in: Quality of Life Research / Issue 5/2022
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-021-03042-6

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

“I don’t take for granted that I am doing well today”: a mixed methods study on well-being, impact of cancer, and supportive needs in long-term childhood cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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