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Journal of Pediatric Psychology Advance Access published online on July 3, 2009
Journal of Pediatric Psychology, doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsp056
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

The Psychosocial Impact of Completing Childhood Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Claire E. Wakefield, PhD1,2, Jordana McLoone, PhD1,3, Belinda Goodenough, PhD1,4, Kate Lenthen, BSW1, David R. Cairns, PhD5 and Richard J. Cohn, MBBS1,2

1Centre for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders, Sydney Children's Hospital,2School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales,3Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales,4School of Psychology, University of New South Wales and 5Department of Psychology, Macquarie University

All correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Claire Wakefield, Centre for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders, Sydney Children's Hospital, High St., Randwick, NSW 2031 Sydney, Australia. E-mail: c.wakefield{at}unsw.edu.au


  Abstract

Objective To review the results of any published research study examining the psychosocial functioning of children who have recently completed cancer treatment. Methods Five electronic databases were searched (from 1978 to 2008). Of 1,734 identified articles, 19 met all inclusion criteria. Four articles utilized a qualitative methodology, thirteen utilized a quantitative methodology, and two used mixed methods. Results Children may experience positive psychosocial outcomes on treatment completion, including high self-worth, good behavioral conduct, and improved mental health and social behavior. However, they may also experience significant negative outcomes, including lower levels of psychological well-being, mood, liveliness, self-esteem, and motor and physical functioning, as well as increased anxiety, problem behaviors, and sleeping difficulties. Conclusions Completing treatment can be a psychologically complex time for children as they wait to make the transition from "cancer patient" to long-term "cancer survivor." Further high-quality research targeting the needs of these children is warranted.

Key words: childhood cancer; leukemia; needs; psychosocial; treatment completion..

Received December 3, 2008; revision received June 2, 2009; accepted June 6, 2009


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