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Hernádfői MV, Koch DK, Kói T, Imrei M, Nagy R, Máté V, Garai R, Donnet J, Balogh J, Kovács GT, Párniczky A, Hegyi P, Garami M. Burden of Childhood Cancer and the Social and Economic Challenges in Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2024; 178:548-566. [PMID: 38619829 PMCID: PMC11019450 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Importance Significant advancements in pediatric oncology have led to a continuously growing population of survivors. Although extensive research is being conducted on the short-, medium-, and long-term somatic effects, reports on psychosocial reintegration are often conflicting; therefore, there is an urgent need to synthesize the evidence to obtain the clearest understanding and the most comprehensive answer. Objective To provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the socioeconomic attainment of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) compared with their unaffected peers. Data Sources A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using data obtained from a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases on October 23, 2021; the search was updated until July 31, 2023. Study Selection Eligible articles reported on educational attainment, employment, family formation, quality of life (QoL), or health-risk behavior-related outcomes of CCSs, and compared them with their unaffected peers. Study selection was performed in duplicate by 4 blinded independent coauthors. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data extraction was performed in duplicate by 4 independent authors following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcome measures were odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences with 95% CIs; data were pooled using a random-effects model. Results The search identified 43 913 articles, 280 of which were eligible for analysis, reporting data on a total of 389 502 survivors. CCSs were less likely to complete higher levels of education (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.40-1.18), had higher odds of health-related unemployment (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.90-4.57), and showed lower rates of marriage (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.63-0.84) and parenthood (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.49-0.74) compared with population-based controls. Conclusion and Relevance Study findings suggest that CCSs face several socioeconomic difficulties; as a result, the next goal of pediatric oncology should be to minimize adverse effects, as well as to provide lifelong survivorship support aimed at maximizing social reintegration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márk Viktor Hernádfői
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Bethesda Children’s Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Kornélia Koch
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Pediatric Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kói
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Mathematics, Department of Stochastics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marcell Imrei
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rita Nagy
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Vanda Máté
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Pediatric Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Réka Garai
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Pediatric Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jessica Donnet
- Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Balogh
- Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Andrea Párniczky
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Hegyi
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklós Garami
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Pediatric Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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2
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Mogensen H, Tettamanti G, Frederiksen LE, Talbäck M, Härkonen J, Modig K, Pedersen C, Krøyer A, Hirvonen E, Kyrönlahti A, Heyman M, Holmqvist AS, Hasle H, Madanat-Harjuoja L, Malila N, Winther JF, Erdmann F, Feychting M. Educational attainment in survivors of childhood cancer in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:260-268. [PMID: 37993542 PMCID: PMC10803319 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of childhood cancer may face difficulties at school. We investigated whether childhood cancer affects attainment of upper secondary education, in a register-based cohort study from Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, where we limit bias from selection and participation. METHODS From the national cancer registers, we identified all long-term survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed aged 0-14 years in 1971-2005 (n = 7629), compared them to matched population comparisons (n = 35,411) and siblings (n = 6114), using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Overall, 6127 survivors (80%) had attained upper secondary education by age 25, compared to 84% among comparison groups. Elevated OR for not attaining this level were mainly confined to survivors of central nervous system (CNS) tumours (ORSurv_PopComp2.05, 95%CI: 1.83-2.29). Other risk groups were survivors who had spent more time in hospital around cancer diagnosis and those who had hospital contacts in early adulthood, particularly psychiatric. Survivors of all cancer types were less likely to have attained upper secondary education without delay. CONCLUSIONS Although survivors of childhood cancer experienced delays in their education, many had caught up by age 25. Except for survivors of CNS tumours, survivors attained upper secondary education to almost the same extent as their peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Mogensen
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Giorgio Tettamanti
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Mats Talbäck
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juho Härkonen
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, European University Institute, Florence, Italy
- Department of Sociology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Modig
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Camilla Pedersen
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Krøyer
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elli Hirvonen
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Cancer Society of Finland, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anniina Kyrönlahti
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Cancer Society of Finland, Helsinki, Finland
- New children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mats Heyman
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Sällfors Holmqvist
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Childhood Cancer Center, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of pediatric and adolescent medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Laura Madanat-Harjuoja
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Cancer Society of Finland, Helsinki, Finland
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nea Malila
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Cancer Society of Finland, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Friederike Erdmann
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research group Aetiology and Inequalities in Childhood Cancer, Division of Childhood Cancer Epidemiology, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Baughan N, Pell JP, Mackay DF, Clark D, King A, Fleming M. Educational outcomes in childhood cancer survivors: A Scotland-wide record-linkage study of 766,217 schoolchildren. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286840. [PMID: 37494295 PMCID: PMC10370705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A cancer diagnosis during childhood greatly disrupts the lives of those affected, causing physical and psychological challenges. We aim to investigate educational outcomes among schoolchildren with a previous cancer diagnosis compared to their peers. METHODS Individual records from four national education databases and three national health databases were linked to construct a cohort of all singleton schoolchildren born in Scotland attending Scottish local-authority schools between 2009-2013. Pupils previously diagnosed with any cancer, haematological cancers, and central nervous system (CNS) cancers, were compared to their unaffected peers with respect to five educational outcomes: special educational need (SEN), absenteeism, school exclusion, academic attainment, and unemployment. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic and maternity factors and chronic conditions. RESULTS Of 766,217 pupils, 1,313 (0.17%) had a previous cancer diagnosis. Children with any cancer had increased odds of SEN (OR 3.26, 95% CI 2.86-3.71), absenteeism (IRR 1.82, 95% CI 1.70-1.94), and low attainment (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.52-3.03) compared to their peers. Similar findings were observed for haematological (SEN OR 2.62, 95% CI 2.12-3.24; absenteeism IRR 2.04, 95% CI 1.85-2.25; low attainment OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.31-3.61) and CNS (SEN OR 6.44, 95% CI 4.91-8.46; absenteeism IRR 1.75, 95% CI 1.51-2.04; low attainment OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.52-7.30) cancers. Lower exclusions were observed among children with any cancer (IRR 0.51, 95% CI 0.31-0.83) and CNS cancer (IRR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06-0.61). No associations were observed with unemployment. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the wider impacts of childhood cancer on educational outcomes. These children need to be supported, as poor educational outcomes can further impact later health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Baughan
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jill P Pell
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel F Mackay
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Clark
- Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Albert King
- ScotXed, Scottish Government, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Fleming
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Devine KA, Christen S, Mulder RL, Brown MC, Ingerski LM, Mader L, Potter EJ, Sleurs C, Viola AS, Waern S, Constine LS, Hudson MM, Kremer LCM, Skinner R, Michel G, Gilleland Marchak J, Schulte FSM. Recommendations for the surveillance of education and employment outcomes in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer: A report from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group. Cancer 2022; 128:2405-2419. [PMID: 35435238 PMCID: PMC9321726 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Educational achievement and employment outcomes are critical indicators of quality of life in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer. This review is aimed at providing an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) with internationally harmonized recommendations for the surveillance of education and employment outcomes in survivors of CAYA cancer diagnosed before the age of 30 years. The CPG was developed by a multidisciplinary panel under the umbrella of the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group. After evaluating concordances and discordances of 4 existing CPGs, the authors performed a systematic literature search through February 2021. They screened articles for eligibility, assessed quality, and extracted and summarized the data from included articles. The authors formulated recommendations based on the evidence and clinical judgment. There were 3930 articles identified, and 83 of them, originating from 17 countries, were included. On a group level, survivors were more likely to have lower educational achievement and more likely to be unemployed than comparisons. Key risk factors for poor outcomes included receiving a primary diagnosis of a central nervous system tumor and experiencing late effects. The authors recommend that health care providers be aware of the risk of educational and employment problems, implement regular surveillance, and refer survivors to specialists if problems are identified. In conclusion, this review presents a harmonized CPG that aims to facilitate evidence-based care, positively influence education and employment outcomes, and ultimately minimize the burden of disease and treatment-related late adverse effects for survivors of CAYA cancers. LAY SUMMARY: A multidisciplinary panel has developed guidelines for the surveillance of education and employment outcomes among survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer. On the basis of evidence showing that survivors are at risk for lower educational achievement and unemployment, it is recommended that all survivors receive regular screening for educational and employment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Devine
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Salome Christen
- Health Science and Health Policy, Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Renée L Mulder
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Morven C Brown
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa M Ingerski
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Luzius Mader
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Adrienne S Viola
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | - Louis S Constine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Melissa M Hudson
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Roderick Skinner
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Haematology/Oncology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Gisela Michel
- Health Science and Health Policy, Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Jordan Gilleland Marchak
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Fiona S M Schulte
- Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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5
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Alexander TC, Krull KR. Effects of chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia on cognitive function in animal models of contemporary protocols: A systematic literature review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:206-217. [PMID: 34352229 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Survival rates of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved greatly due to advanced therapies and supportive care. Intrathecal chemotherapy replaced cranial radiation due to radiation-induced neurotoxicity and late-effects. Survivors treated with chemotherapy-only experience neurologic and cognitive problems following cessation of treatment. Very long-term cognitive outcomes remain unclear. Animal models are being generated to assess late-effects of chemotherapy on cognitive function. Although, few address juvenile models of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) and developing brain, results of this review outline neurocognitive effects of chemotherapy consistent with childhood ALL therapy. Studies demonstrate deficits across cognitive domains including spatial memory, executive function, short-term memory, anxiety and depression. Inflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxity, and other metabolic disruptions may lead to neurodegeneration associated with cognitive impairment observed in ALL survivors. Interventions directly targeting these mechanisms may prevent and/or promote recovery of cognitive function and improve long-term outcomes. Evidence suggests success of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant treatments in reducing cognitive decline. Animal models provide basis for assessing effects of chemotherapy on neurologic processes to guide future clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C Alexander
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Kevin R Krull
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States; Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States.
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6
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Ali JS, Ashford JM, Swain MA, Harder LL, Carlson-Green BL, Miller JM, Wallace J, Kaner RJ, Billups CA, Onar-Thomas A, Merchant TE, Gajjar A, Conklin HM. Predictors of Cognitive Performance Among Infants Treated for Brain Tumors: Findings From a Multisite, Prospective, Longitudinal Trial. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:2350-2358. [PMID: 33945291 DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.01687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Infants treated for CNS malignancies experience a significantly poorer response to treatment and are particularly at risk for neuropsychological deficits. The literature is limited and inconsistent regarding cognitive outcomes among this group. We investigated predictors of cognitive outcomes in children treated for brain tumors during infancy as part of a large, prospective, multisite, longitudinal trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred thirty-nine infants with a newly diagnosed CNS tumor were treated with chemotherapy, with or without focal proton or photon radiation therapy (RT). Cognitive assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and then annually for 5 years. The median length of follow-up was 816 days (26.8 months). Neurocognitive testing included assessment of intellectual functioning (intellectual quotient [IQ]), parent ratings of executive functioning and emotional and behavioral functioning, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS At baseline, IQ, parent-reported working memory, and parent-reported adaptive functioning were worse than normative expectations. Baseline cognitive difficulties were associated with younger age at diagnosis and lower socioeconomic status. Linear mixed models did not demonstrate a decline in IQ over time. There were increased parent-reported attention and executive problems over time. Increased concerns were related to supratentorial tumor location and CSF diversion. There were no differences in cognitive outcomes based on treatment exposure (chemotherapy-only v chemotherapy with RT and proton v photon focal RT). CONCLUSION Even before adjuvant therapy, young children with brain tumors experience cognitive difficulties that can affect quality of life. Changes in cognitive functioning over time were dependent on tumor location and surgical factors rather than adjuvant therapy. These findings may serve to guide treatment planning and indicate targets for cognitive monitoring and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanelle S Ali
- Department of Psychology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jason M Ashford
- Department of Psychology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Michelle A Swain
- Children's Health Queensland Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Joanna Wallace
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Ryan J Kaner
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Encinitas, CA
| | - Catherine A Billups
- Department of Biostatistics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Arzu Onar-Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Thomas E Merchant
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Amar Gajjar
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Neuro-Oncology Division, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Heather M Conklin
- Department of Psychology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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7
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Puhr A, Ruud E, Anderson V, Due-Tønnessen BJ, Skarbø AB, Finset A, Andersson S. Executive Function and Psychosocial Adjustment in Adolescent Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumor. Dev Neuropsychol 2021; 46:149-168. [PMID: 33783291 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2021.1900191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent survivors of pediatric brain tumor (PBT) are a sparsely studied subset of childhood cancer survivors. Sustaining a PBT may complicate the development of executive functions (EFs), which play a vital role in long-term psychosocial adjustment. In this study, 48 adolescent survivors and their parents completed questionnaires assessing EF, psychological symptoms, fatigue, and adaptive functioning, and 26 survivors underwent neuropsychological assessment. Survivors reported significantly more problems with adaptive functioning than a healthy control group, and this was most strongly associated to executive dysfunction, compared to psychological symptoms and fatigue. The findings have important implications for long-term follow-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Puhr
- Dept. of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital & Dept. Of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - E Ruud
- Dept. of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital & Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - V Anderson
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne & Depts of Psychology & Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Australia
| | | | - A B Skarbø
- Dept. of Pediatric Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - A Finset
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo Norway
| | - S Andersson
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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8
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Morris JN, Roder D, Turnbull D, Hunkin H. The Impact of Cancer on Early Childhood Development: A Linked Data Study. J Pediatr Psychol 2021; 46:49-58. [PMID: 33011800 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsaa084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study used retrospective linked population data to investigate the impact of early childhood cancer on developmental outcomes. METHODS Children aged <9 years with a recorded malignant neoplasm were identified in the South Australian Cancer Registry. They were then linked to developmental data recorded in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) for the 2009, 2012, and 2015 data collection periods; and assigned five matched controls from the same AEDC year. RESULTS Between 2000 and 2015, 43 children had a malignant cancer diagnosis and also participated in the AEDC. Compared to controls, childhood cancer survivors exhibited greater developmental vulnerability in their physical health and wellbeing. Between survivors and controls, no significant developmental differences were observed in social, emotional, language and cognitive, and communication and general knowledge domains. Rural or remote location had a significant positive effect on developmental outcomes for childhood cancer survivors relative to controls, suggesting this was a protective factor in terms of physical health and wellbeing, social competence, communication, and general knowledge. Among all children, socioeconomic advantage was linked to better developmental outcomes on all domains except physical health and wellbeing. CONCLUSION Following an early cancer diagnosis, children may require targeted care to support their physical health and wellbeing. Geographic variation in developmental outcomes indicates remoteness was a protective factor and requires further investigation. This study highlights the feasibility of using administrative whole-population data to investigate cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia N Morris
- Behavioural Research and Evaluation Unit, Cancer Council South Australia
| | - David Roder
- UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia
| | | | - Hugh Hunkin
- Behavioural Research and Evaluation Unit, Cancer Council South Australia
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9
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Elgen I, Heggestad T, Tronstad R, Greve G. Bridging the Gap for Children With Compound Health Challenges: An Intervention Protocol. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:721926. [PMID: 35004532 PMCID: PMC8728000 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.721926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: During the last decades, there is a major shift in the panorama of diseases in children and adolescents. More children are referred to the specialized health care services due to less specific symptoms and more complex health challenges. These children are particularly difficult to care for in a "single-disease" oriented system. Our objective was to develop an alternative and more holistic approach better tailored to the complex needs of these children. Method: The target patient population is children between 6 and 13 years with three or more referrals including both the pediatric department and the mental health services. Furthermore, to be included in the project, the child's actual complaints needed to be clinically considered as an unclear or compound condition in need of an alternative approach. This paper describes the process of developing an intervention where a complementary professional team meets the patient and his/her family altogether for 2.5 h. The consultation focus on clarifying the complex symptomatology and on problem solving. The bio-psycho-social model is applied, emphasizing the patient's story as told on the whiteboard. In the dynamic processes of development, piloting, evaluating, and adjusting the components, feed-back from the patients, their families, professional team members, and external team coaches is important. The professional teams include pediatricians, psychologists and physiotherapists. Achieving the transformation from a logistic oriented team where members act separately toward a real complementary team, seems to be a success factor. Discussion: Composing multi-disciplinary and complementary teams was an essential part of the re-designed intervention. Team interaction transforming the professionals from working as a logistic team to act as a complementary team, was one of the important requirements in the process. When re-designing the specialist health service, it is mandatory to anchor all changes among employees as well as the hospital leadership. In addition, it is important to include patient experiences in the process of improvement. Evaluation of long-term outcomes is needed to investigate possible benefits from the new intervention. Trial Registration: Transitioning Young Patients' Health Care Trajectories, NCT04652154. Registered December 3rd, 2020-Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04652154?term=NCT04652154&draw=2&rank=1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Elgen
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Torhild Heggestad
- Department of Research & Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune Tronstad
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gottfried Greve
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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10
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Erdmann F, Frederiksen LE, Bonaventure A, Mader L, Hasle H, Robison LL, Winther JF. Childhood cancer: Survival, treatment modalities, late effects and improvements over time. Cancer Epidemiol 2020; 71:101733. [PMID: 32461035 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2020.101733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Since the 1960s, paediatric oncologists have gradually become better organised in large study groups and participation in clinical trials is today considered as the standard of care, with most children with cancer in Europe and North America being enrolled on available treatment protocols. Chemotherapy is nowadays the main element of therapy, but irradiation is still required for some patients. With the advent of multimodality therapy and supportive care, five-year cancer survival exceeds 80 % in most European and North American countries today. The substantial improvements in survival led to a constantly growing population of childhood cancer survivors. Concerns regarding the risk of late effects of the intensive cancer treatment at a young age, together with increasing numbers of survivors, have directed attention towards survivorship research. Survivors of childhood cancer are at longstanding risk of various severe somatic and mental health conditions attributable to the cancer and its treatment, as well as adverse social and socioeconomic consequences, and diminished psychological well-being and quality of life. It is, however, important to stress that some survivors have no or very mild adverse health conditions. Nevertheless, joint efforts are warranted for the care and long-term follow-up of childhood cancer patients. With this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of improvements in survival and treatment modalities over time, as well as the related somatic and mental late effects, and social and socioeconomic difficulties that these children might encounter later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Erdmann
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Denmark; German Childhood Cancer Registry, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany.
| | | | - Audrey Bonaventure
- Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Team, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, University of Paris, UMR 1153 INSERM, France
| | - Luzius Mader
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Denmark; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Paediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Leslie L Robison
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, United States
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University and University Hospital, Denmark
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11
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Becktell K, Simpson P, Phelan R, Schmidt D, Anderson L, Nichols J, Bingen K. Developmental differences in health-related quality of life in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Qual Life Res 2020; 29:2435-2444. [PMID: 32323061 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-020-02507-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) experience developmental transitions. AYA survivors of cancer are at risk for chronic health conditions due to treatment. This study examined developmental differences in AYA survivors' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between age groups and compared to population norms. METHODS HRQOL was assessed in AYA survivors of cancer (diagnosed before age 30) in long-term follow-up. Cancer survivors who were 12-39 years old at survey completion and completed therapy ≥ 2 years ago were included. HRQOL was assessed using the PedsQL™ and FACT. RESULTS Sample size was 155 survivors. PedsQL™ school functioning was worse in 15-17 year olds compared to 12-14 year olds (66.35 vs 77.60, p = 0.012). Compared to population norms, PedsQL™ outcomes were only worse in survivors' school functioning. Survivors' 18-39 years old had FACT scores that were better than population norms for overall HRQOL (91.33 vs 80.1, p < 0.001), and in physical (24.22 vs 22.7, p < 0.001), social (23.46 vs 19.1, p < 0.001), and functional well-being (22.94 vs 18.5, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified that survivors who were < 15 years old and had not relapsed, and survivors who were 15-18 years old and had ≥ 2 late effects are at highest risk of lower HRQOL. For older survivors the highest risk group for lower HRQOL were < 21 years old at survey completion, > 7 years old at diagnosis and > 6 years post therapy. CONCLUSION A trend in school functioning issues in older adolescent survivors emerged. Older survivors show improved HRQOL when compared to the general population. Those further off therapy are at risk of poor HRQOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri Becktell
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, MFRC3018, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Pippa Simpson
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, MFRC3018, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Rachel Phelan
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, MFRC3018, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Deb Schmidt
- Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, MFRC3018, PO Box 1997, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, USA
| | - Lynnette Anderson
- Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, MFRC3018, PO Box 1997, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, USA
| | - Julie Nichols
- Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, MFRC3018, PO Box 1997, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, USA
| | - Kristin Bingen
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, MFRC3018, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
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12
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Saatci D, Thomas A, Botting B, Sutcliffe AG. Educational attainment in childhood cancer survivors: a meta-analysis. Arch Dis Child 2020; 105:339-346. [PMID: 31601570 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-317594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess differences across educational outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer (CCS) compared with peers. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION Medline, EMBASE, ERIC, CINAHL and PsycInfo from inception to 1st August 2018. Any peer reviewed, comparative study with a population of any survivor of childhood cancer, from high-economy countries, reporting outcomes on educational attainment, were selected. RESULTS 26 studies representing 28 434 CCS, 17 814 matched controls, 6582 siblings and six population studies from 11 high-income countries, which have similar access to education and years of mandatory schooling as reported by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, were included. CCS were more likely to remain at compulsory level (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.43) and less likely to complete secondary (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.0) and tertiary level education (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.98). They were more likely to require special educational needs (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.91 to 3.20). Subgroup analyses revealed that survivors, irrespective of central nervous system (CNS) involvement, were less likely to progress onto secondary level compared with cancer-free peers (OR 1.77. 95% CI 1.46 to 2.15; OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.42, respectively). This, however, changed at tertiary level where those with CNS involvement continued to perform worse (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.68) but those without appeared to perform similarly to their peers (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.25). CONCLUSIONS Compared with controls, we have elucidated significant differences in educational attainment in survivors. This is sustained across different countries, making it an international issue. CNS involvement plays a key role in educational achievement. Clinicians, teachers and policymakers should be made aware of differences and consider advocating for early educational support for survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defne Saatci
- General and Adolscent Paediatric Unit, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Andrew Thomas
- General and Adolscent Paediatric Unit, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Beverley Botting
- General and Adolscent Paediatric Unit, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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13
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Gummersall T, Skaczkowski G, Wilson C. Childhood cancer, age at diagnosis and educational attainment: A meta-analysis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 145:102838. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.102838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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14
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Social attainment in survivors of pediatric central nervous system tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis from the Children's Oncology Group. J Cancer Surviv 2019; 13:921-931. [PMID: 31625086 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-019-00808-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Improved therapies for pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors have increased survival rates; however, many survivors experience significant long-term functional limitations. Survivors of pediatric CNS tumors can experience deficits in social attainment. The aim of this review was to systematically amalgamate findings pertaining to social attainment (i.e., educational attainment, marriage, employment outcomes) in survivors of pediatric CNS tumors. METHODS PubMed (web-based), PsycINFO (EBSCO), EMBASE (Ovid), and Web of Science (Thomson Reuters) were used to identify articles published between January 2011 and September 2018. Eligible studies reported outcomes for survivors of pediatric CNS tumors diagnosed before age 21 years and > 5 years from diagnosis and/or > 2 years off therapy. All data were independently abstracted by two reviewers. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.0. RESULTS The search yielded 7021 unique publications. Forty-six were included in the current review. Meta-analyses revealed survivors of CNS tumors were significantly more likely to have completed compulsory education only (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.66, 2.12, p < 0.00001), less likely to be married (OR = 4.70, 95% CI = 3.89, 5.68, p < 0.00001), and more likely to be unemployed (OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 2.62, 3.08, p < 0.00001) compared to non-cancer controls. Cranial radiation therapy, neurocognitive deficits, and younger age at diagnosis were associated with poorer outcomes. Hearing loss and bilateral blindness were also related to poorer outcomes. Sex did not impact social attainment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Survivors of pediatric CNS tumors are at elevated risk for poor attainment of key adult social outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS There is a critical need to develop interventions to support survivors in becoming independent and productive adults.
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15
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Puhr A, Ruud E, Anderson V, Due-Tønnessen BJ, Skarbø AB, Finset A, Andersson S. Social attainment in physically well-functioning long-term survivors of pediatric brain tumour; the role of executive dysfunction, fatigue, and psychological and emotional symptoms. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2019; 31:129-153. [PMID: 31603026 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2019.1677480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate long-term social attainment in physically well-functioning adult survivors of pediatric brain tumour (PBT) and identify demographic, medical, and psychological factors related to poor social outcomes, with a special focus on the significance of executive dysfunction. One hundred and fourteen PBT survivors and a healthy control group provided personal data on social outcomes, i.e., education, work, and government benefits, and completed questionnaires on executive function (EF), psychological and emotional difficulties, and fatigue. A significantly higher number of survivors compared to healthy controls reported having received educational adjustments and substantial government benefits, and significantly more survivors than controls were currently not engaged in regular employment/training. PBT survivors and healthy controls did not differ on educational level or living situation. The factors most strongly associated with poor social outcomes were self-reported executive dysfunction, difficulties with adaptive functioning, and fatigue. The findings show that physically well-functioning PBT survivors are at risk of poorer social outcomes and financial dependence in adulthood compared to their healthy peers, and underline the importance of investigating EF in short- and long-term follow-ups. Future rehabilitation efforts should focus more on compensatory strategies for executive dysfunction and improving EF skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Puhr
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Ruud
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vicki Anderson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Anne-Britt Skarbø
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Stein Andersson
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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16
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Scardaville MC, Murphy KM, Liu F, Boydston S, Robert R, Shin K, Nguyen V, Frieden L. Knowledge of Legal Protections and Employment-Related Resources Among Young Adults with Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 8:312-319. [PMID: 31021285 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2018.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Young adults (aged 18-39 years) who have received a cancer diagnosis can encounter significant barriers in their transition to employment. American young adults' familiarity with federal legislation and resources related to employment is unclear. The study questions included: (1) To what extent do young adults who have had a cancer diagnosis know about legal and programmatic supports that may help to address their employment-related needs and (2) What modes of receiving information about resources to address their employment-related concerns do young adults who have had a cancer diagnosis prefer? Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with a convenience sample composed of 203 young adults living in the United States, had a cancer diagnosis other than nonmelanoma skin cancer, and were between 18 and 39 years of age. Over half (57.6%) of respondents received a cancer diagnosis at age 24 years or older. The mean age at participation was 30.4. Results: More than half of the sample (57.0%) was familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act yet many did not know that cancer was a covered condition. Almost 80% of the respondents were not familiar with other federal initiatives with employment protections for people with cancer. Participants preferred in-person trainings and resource fact sheets as the presentation channels, although sociodemographic factors such as employment status were related to preferred delivery methods. Conclusion: These young adults would benefit from additional outreach around federal guidelines concerning employment-related rights and services and programs applicable to young adult cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Scardaville
- 1 Human Services and Public Health, American Institutes for Research, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kathleen M Murphy
- 2 Human Services and Public Health, American Institutes for Research, Austin, Texas
| | - Feng Liu
- 2 Human Services and Public Health, American Institutes for Research, Austin, Texas
| | - Steven Boydston
- 2 Human Services and Public Health, American Institutes for Research, Austin, Texas
| | - Rhonda Robert
- 3 Department of Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson, Houston, Texas
| | - Ki Shin
- 4 Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson, Houston, Texas
| | - Vinh Nguyen
- 5 Independent Living Research Utilization, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, Texas
| | - Lex Frieden
- 6 School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
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17
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Molcho M, D'Eath M, Alforque Thomas A, Sharp L. Educational attainment of childhood cancer survivors: A systematic review. Cancer Med 2019; 8:3182-3195. [PMID: 31007000 PMCID: PMC6558589 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Advances in treatment mean that most children diagnosed with cancer during childhood survive. Therefore, it is increasingly important to examine the long‐term consequences of childhood cancer, including educational attainment. This systematic review investigated whether the educational attainment of childhood cancer survivors differ from the cancer‐free population. Design/methods We searched seven databases for articles published from January 2005 to August 2018. We identified full papers in English, reporting primary data on academic attainment of adult survivors of childhood cancer, compared to a control group. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Results Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine papers included patients with various types of cancers, four focused on a single type of cancer, and one on patients who underwent stem cell transplantation. Of the 14 papers, 2 studies were considered good quality, 10 were considered adequate quality, and 2 were considered poor quality. Four studies reported more favorable educational attainment among survivors while six did not report significant differences. Less favorable attainment was consistently reported for CNS survivors in four studies. Conclusion The literature does not provide a clear pattern of the long‐term consequences of childhood cancer on education attainment. While this may suggest that there is no consistent difference between the education attainment of cancer survivors and controls, it may also be the result of limitations in the existing research. To better assess the education attainment of survivors, there is a need for high‐quality studies, with appropriate comparators, and standardized measures of education attainment across countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Linda Sharp
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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18
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Erdmann F, Feychting M, Mogensen H, Schmiegelow K, Zeeb H. Social Inequalities Along the Childhood Cancer Continuum: An Overview of Evidence and a Conceptual Framework to Identify Underlying Mechanisms and Pathways. Front Public Health 2019; 7:84. [PMID: 31106186 PMCID: PMC6492628 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inequalities in health according to social conditions are regarded as unnecessary and unjust. There is a large body of evidence on inequalities in adult cancer, observable throughout the societies on a national level as well as on a global scale. Socioeconomic influences on health matter at all ages including childhood, for which childhood cancer is the leading cause of disease related death in high-income countries (HICs). Substantial differences in the reported incidence of childhood cancers have been observed globally by socioeconomic development of a population. This is reflected in the higher incidence rates reported for HICs, particularly for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and for cancer in infants (below 1 year), compared to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Considerable inequalities between populations and degree of socioeconomic development are also noted for survival from childhood cancer, with substantially lower survival rates seen in most LMICs compared to HICs. With respect to inequalities by socioeconomic position (SEP) within countries, findings of an association between SEP and childhood cancer risk are diverse and limited to studies from HICs. On the contrary, observations on social inequalities in survival within countries are accumulating and indicate that survival inequalities do not only concern resource-poor countries but also high-income populations including European countries. In turn, a childhood cancer diagnosis in itself may have implications on the parents' socioeconomic situation as well as on the later socioeconomic life after having survived the disease. The underlying mechanisms and causal pathways of these empirically demonstrated social inequalities are poorly understood, although it is of significant public health relevance for any actions or strategies to reduce childhood cancer-related inequity. We propose a conceptual framework on potential underlying mechanism and pathways specifically addressing social inequalities in childhood cancer and after childhood cancer to (i) illustrate potential pathways by which social determinants may create health inequities at different points of the childhood cancer continuum; (ii) illustrate potential pathways by which a childhood cancer diagnosis may impact the socioeconomic situation of the concerned family or the later life of a childhood survivor; and (iii) point out how major determinants may relate to each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Erdmann
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz - Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS GmbH, Bremen, Germany
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Mogensen
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kjeld Schmiegelow
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz - Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS GmbH, Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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19
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Frederiksen LE, Mader L, Feychting M, Mogensen H, Madanat-Harjuoja L, Malila N, Tolkkinen A, Hasle H, Winther JF, Erdmann F. Surviving childhood cancer: a systematic review of studies on risk and determinants of adverse socioeconomic outcomes. Int J Cancer 2018; 144:1796-1823. [PMID: 30098012 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Substantial improvements in childhood cancer survival have resulted in a steadily increasing population of childhood cancer survivors. Whereas somatic late effects have been assessed in many studies, less is known about the impact of childhood cancer on socioeconomic outcomes in survivors. The aim of this article was to evaluate and summarise the evidence on the socioeconomic conditions of childhood cancer survivors and to identify survivors at particular risk of adverse socioeconomic outcomes. An extensive literature search of three electronic databases was conducted. Of 419 articles identified, 52 met the inclusion criteria. All the selected articles were appraised for quality, and findings were summarised in a narrative synthesis. Childhood cancer survivors were at higher risk of adverse socioeconomic outcomes with regard to educational achievement, income and social security benefits than the general population or a sibling comparison group. The risks for unemployment and a lower occupational position were significantly increased only for survivors of a central nervous system tumour. Notably, survivors of central nervous system tumours, survivors treated with cranial radiotherapy and those diagnosed at younger age independent of cancer type were determinants of particular adverse socioeconomic outcomes. Given the increasing population of childhood cancer survivors, targeted follow-up interventions and support strategies addressing not only the somatic and psychiatric late effects but also the socioeconomic difficulties that some childhood cancer survivors face is of high importance to reduce social inequity, and ensure a high quality of life after childhood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luzius Mader
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Mogensen
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Madanat-Harjuoja
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland.,Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nea Malila
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anniina Tolkkinen
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland.,Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Paediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Friederike Erdmann
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Elsbernd A, Pedersen KJ, Boisen KA, Midtgaard J, Larsen HB. “On Your Own”: Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Experience of Managing Return to Secondary or Higher Education in Denmark. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2018; 7:618-625. [DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2018.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abbey Elsbernd
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Kaspar Jessen Pedersen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center of Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Arntz Boisen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center of Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Midtgaard
- The University Hospitals' Centre for Health Research (UCSF), Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Bækgaard Larsen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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21
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Mikkonen J, Moustgaard H, Remes H, Martikainen P. The Population Impact of Childhood Health Conditions on Dropout from Upper-Secondary Education. J Pediatr 2018; 196:283-290.e4. [PMID: 29551321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify how large a part of educational dropout is due to adverse childhood health conditions and to estimate the risk of dropout across various physical and mental health conditions. STUDY DESIGN A registry-based cohort study was conducted on a 20% random sample of Finns born in 1988-1995 (n = 101 284) followed for school dropout at ages 17 and 21. Four broad groups of health conditions (any, somatic, mental, and injury) and 25 specific health conditions were assessed from inpatient and outpatient care records at ages 10-16 years. We estimated the immediate and more persistent risks of dropout due to health conditions and calculated population-attributable fractions to quantify the population impact of childhood health on educational dropout, while accounting for a wide array of sociodemographic confounders and comorbidity. RESULTS Children with any health condition requiring inpatient or outpatient care at ages 10-16 years were more likely to be dropouts at ages 17 years (risk ratio 1.71, 95% CI 1.61-1.81) and 21 years (1.46, 1.37-1.54) following adjustment for individual and family sociodemographic factors. A total of 30% of school dropout was attributable to health conditions at age 17 years and 21% at age 21 years. Mental disorders alone had an attributable fraction of 11% at age 21 years, compared with 5% for both somatic conditions and injuries. Adjusting for the presence of mental disorders reduced the effects of somatic conditions. CONCLUSIONS More than one fifth of educational dropout is attributable to childhood health conditions. Early-onset mental disorders emerge as key targets in reducing dropout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Mikkonen
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Heta Moustgaard
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Remes
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Martikainen
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Center for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
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22
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Mader L, Michel G, Roser K. Unemployment Following Childhood Cancer. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 114:805-812. [PMID: 29229046 PMCID: PMC5736865 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer survivors are at risk of physical and mental long-term sequelae that may interfere with their employment situation in adulthood. We updated a systematic review from 2006 and assessed unemployment in adult childhood cancer survivors compared to the general population, and its predictors. METHODS Systematic literature searches for articles published between February 2006 and August 2016 were performed in CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX. We extracted unemployment rates in studies with and without population controls (controlled /uncontrolled studies). Unemployment in controlled studies was evaluated using a meta-analytic approach. RESULTS We included 56 studies, of which 27 were controlled studies. Approximately one in six survivors was unemployed. The overall meta-analysis of controlled studies showed that survivors were more likely to be unemployed than controls (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.14; 1.93]). Elevated odds were found in survivors in the US and Canada (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: [1.26; 2.75]), as well as in Europe (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: [0.97; 1.97]). Survivors of brain tumors in particular were more likely to be unemployed (OR = 4.62, 95% CI: [2.56; 8.31]). Narrative synthesis across all included studies revealed younger age at study and diagnosis, female sex, radiotherapy, and physical late effects as further predictors of unemployment. CONCLUSION Childhood cancer survivors are at considerable risk of unemployment in adulthood. They may benefit from psycho-social care services along the cancer trajectory to support labor market integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzius Mader
- Department of Health Sciences & Health Policy, University of Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Gisela Michel
- Department of Health Sciences & Health Policy, University of Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Roser
- Department of Health Sciences & Health Policy, University of Luzern, Switzerland
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Freyer DR, Smith AW, Wolfson JA, Barr RD. Making Ends Meet: Financial Issues from the Perspectives of Patients and Their Health-Care Team. CANCER IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-33679-4_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Gunnes MW, Lie RT, Bjørge T, Syse A, Ruud E, Wesenberg F, Moster D. Economic independence in survivors of cancer diagnosed at a young age: A Norwegian national cohort study. Cancer 2016; 122:3873-3882. [PMID: 27518040 PMCID: PMC5157778 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of cancer on socioeconomic outcomes is attracting attention as the number of survivors of cancer in young age continues to rise. This study examines economic independence in a national cohort of survivors of cancer at a young age in Norway. METHODS Through the linkage of several national registries, the study cohort comprised 1,212,013 individuals born in Norway during 1965 through 1985, of which 5440 had received a cancer diagnosis before age 25 years. Follow-up was through 2007, and the main outcomes were receipt of governmental financial assistance, employment, income, and occupation. Analytic methods included Cox proportional hazard regression, log-binomial regression, and quantile regression models. RESULTS Individuals in the cancer survivor group had an increased probability of receiving governmental financial assistance (men: hazard ratio [HR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-1.5; women: HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.6) and of not being employed (men: HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7; women: HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.6) compared with those in the noncancer group. Income discrepancies were particularly pronounced for survivors of central nervous system tumors. There was no difference in representation in higher skilled occupations. CONCLUSIONS Survivors of cancer at a young age in Norway had an increased risk of being economically dependent and unemployed. This was evident in several tumor groups and was most pronounced in female survivors. There were only small differences in income or representation in higher skilled occupations for most employed survivors compared with the noncancer group. The current results are important for understanding the impact of a cancer diagnosis at a young age on subsequent job market outcomes. Cancer 2016;122:3873-3882. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria W Gunnes
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolv Terje Lie
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tone Bjørge
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Astri Syse
- Department of Research, Statistics Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Ruud
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Finn Wesenberg
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Moster
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
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