The psychosocial impacts of childhood cancer: A systematic review

Purpose: This study aims to observe how childhood cancer shapes illness identity. Various core identity constructs were observed to understand its relation to psychosocial outcomes of childhood cancer survivors. Disruption in adolescent development, academics, and social integration was evident, as well as a major pattern of resilience across studies.

Methodology: This systematic review followed structured data extraction procedures to ensure solely credible studies were utilized. First, a search strategy was developed. Two rounds of screening were then conducted in order to identify relevant studies. The data extraction involved 39 studies, and data was extracted for six subtopics: participant and contextual characteristics, study-specific data, developmental processes and trajectories, core identity constructs, psychosocial outcomes related to identity, and mediating and predictive factors.

Results: Childhood cancer consistently disrupts adolescent development, leading to low self-esteem, negative body image, and social and academic delays. Family and peer support can mitigate these outcomes, but excessive dependence of patients leads to low self-efficacy and confidence. Interventions such as camps and expressive therapies were seen to increase levels of HRQOL, improving psychosocial outcomes and developing a positive self-concept.

Implications: Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies in order to track identity development over time to prevent limitations of cross-sectional studies. Additionally, studies should be conducted to validate targeted innovative methods across large and diverse pediatric populations.