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Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 2/2010

01-06-2010

Social outcomes in young adult survivors of low incidence childhood cancers

Authors: Inga M. R. Jóhannsdóttir, Marianne J. Hjermstad, Torbjørn Moum, Finn Wesenberg, Lars Hjorth, Henrik Schrøder, Päivi Lähteenmäki, Gudmundur Jónmundsson, Jon H. Loge

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 2/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

The intensity and duration of childhood cancer treatment may disrupt psychosocial development and thereby cause difficulties in transition into adulthood. The study objective was to assess social outcomes in early adulthood after successful treatment for childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Wilms tumor (WT) and infratentorial astrocytoma (IA).

Methods

Nordic patients treated for AML, WT and IA from 1985 to 2001 identified from a database administered by NOPHO (Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology) were invited to participate in a postal survey. All cancer-free survivors treated at age >1 year who were >19 years at time of study were eligible. Seventy-four percent; 247/335 responded. An age-equivalent group (N = 1,814) from a Norwegian Census Study served as controls.

Results

Mean age of survivors was 23 years (range 19–34), 55% females. The proportion with academic education (≥4 years) was similar in survivors and controls (28 vs. 32%). Fifty-nine percent of survivors were employed compared to 77% among controls (p < .01). More survivors were recipients of social benefits (6.7 vs. 3.1%, p < .01). There were no differences in marital status but parenthood was more common among controls (37 vs. 27%, p = .01). Controls lived longer in their parental homes (p = .01). Cancer type or treatment intensity had no statistically significant impact on results, except for parenthood.

Conclusions and Implications for Cancer Survivors

The study revealed important differences in social outcomes between survivors and controls early in adult life. Specific difficulties pertain to studying social status in early adulthood because of the natural transition characteristics for this age group. Therefore, longer follow-up is warranted.
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Metadata
Title
Social outcomes in young adult survivors of low incidence childhood cancers
Authors
Inga M. R. Jóhannsdóttir
Marianne J. Hjermstad
Torbjørn Moum
Finn Wesenberg
Lars Hjorth
Henrik Schrøder
Päivi Lähteenmäki
Gudmundur Jónmundsson
Jon H. Loge
Publication date
01-06-2010
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-009-0112-3

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