Scholarlink

Purpose <p>Improved survival rates for childhood cancer have resulted in survivors experiencing increased physical and psychosocial late effects. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive psychosocial changes in response to trauma, in this case, cancer diagnosis and treatment. The role of PTG in long-term follow-up care (LTFU) is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the lived experiences of PTG in survivors of childhood cancer, specifically in the context of LTFU.</p> Methods <p>We completed an exploratory qualitative study using patient-oriented research methods. Eligible participants were Canadian adult survivors of childhood cancer, at least 5 years post-diagnosis or 2 years post-treatment. Demographic data were gathered by digital survey and summarized using descriptive statistics. Virtual focus transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p> Results <p>Twenty-two survivors of childhood cancer (mean age 29.2&#xa0;years, predominantly female and white) participated across five virtual focus groups, with 4 to 6 participants per group. Four key themes emerged: <i>Life Perspectives</i>, <i>Self-Advocacy/Empowerment</i>, <i>Career Choices</i>, and <i>Sharing the Lived Experience</i>. Participants reported shifts in life outlook and priorities, with many pursuing health-related careers. Self-advocacy skills were gained from their cancer experiences, which were felt to be required in the LTFU setting. Finally, survivors valued and gained meaning from sharing their lived experiences.</p> Conclusion <p>The PTG themes of <i>Self-Advocacy/Empowerment</i> and <i>Sharing the Lived Experience</i> are novel contributions to the literature. PTG may offer an avenue to improve patient engagement and adherence with LTFU, and future interventions should encourage its incorporation.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Post-traumatic growth related to long-term follow up in survivors of childhood cancer: a national qualitative study

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月28日

查看全文
  • Kyle Mendonça,
  • Sharon H. J. Hou,
  • Holly Wright,
  • Brianna Henry,
  • Rachelle Drummond,
  • Caitlin Forbes,
  • Iqra Rahamatullah,
  • Jenny Duong,
  • Craig Erker,
  • Michael S. Taccone,
  • Liam Sutherland,
  • Paul C. Nathan,
  • Maria Spavor,
  • Karen Goddard,
  • Kathleen Reynolds,
  • Fiona S. M. Schulte

摘要

Purpose

Improved survival rates for childhood cancer have resulted in survivors experiencing increased physical and psychosocial late effects. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive psychosocial changes in response to trauma, in this case, cancer diagnosis and treatment. The role of PTG in long-term follow-up care (LTFU) is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the lived experiences of PTG in survivors of childhood cancer, specifically in the context of LTFU.

Methods

We completed an exploratory qualitative study using patient-oriented research methods. Eligible participants were Canadian adult survivors of childhood cancer, at least 5 years post-diagnosis or 2 years post-treatment. Demographic data were gathered by digital survey and summarized using descriptive statistics. Virtual focus transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty-two survivors of childhood cancer (mean age 29.2 years, predominantly female and white) participated across five virtual focus groups, with 4 to 6 participants per group. Four key themes emerged: Life Perspectives, Self-Advocacy/Empowerment, Career Choices, and Sharing the Lived Experience. Participants reported shifts in life outlook and priorities, with many pursuing health-related careers. Self-advocacy skills were gained from their cancer experiences, which were felt to be required in the LTFU setting. Finally, survivors valued and gained meaning from sharing their lived experiences.

Conclusion

The PTG themes of Self-Advocacy/Empowerment and Sharing the Lived Experience are novel contributions to the literature. PTG may offer an avenue to improve patient engagement and adherence with LTFU, and future interventions should encourage its incorporation.