“It's been a life‐changing experience!” A qualitative study of young adult cancer survivors’ experiences of the coexistence of negative and positive outcomes after cancer treatment

'Only to reconcile with it'. The coping experience amongst middle-aged and older cancer survivors: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Cancer threat is relevant to age, and the threat of a foreshortened life coupled with a lengthy treatment process negatively affects middle-aged and older adults. Understanding the coping throughout the cancer experience in middle-aged and older cancer survivors will help develop supportive care to promote their physiological and psychological coping effects.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the cancer coping experiences of middle-aged adults aged 40-59 and older adults over 60.

DESIGN

A descriptive phenomenological study was employed.

METHODS

Face-to-face, in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 oncology patients in a tertiary university hospital aged 40 or above from August to October 2023. The interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis procedures.

RESULTS

Five themes and 13 subthemes were formed through analysis: acceptance of cancer (considering cancer as chronic, believing in fate and attributing cancer to karma); having different information needs (desired to be truthfully informed, information-seeking behaviour, information avoidance behaviour); getting families involved (developing dependent behaviours, feeling emotional support, family members suffering worse); striving to maintain positive psychological state (positive thinking, seeking peer support) and negative experience (undesirable, low self-esteem).

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals that cancer survivors' attitudes towards having cancer have changed from a death sentence to a more positive perception of a chronic disease. Supportive programmes for developing coping strategies should consider the cultural traditions and religious beliefs, different information needs, involvement of family and promoting a positive psychological state while avoiding negative factors.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Participants with experience of coping with cancer were involved in the semistructured interview.

"Dancing on the edge of the abyss": Posttraumatic growth in men cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

Surviving cancer can lead to self-perceived beneficial changes and personal growth, commonly referred to as posttraumatic growth. However, the survivorship experience of men following cancer remains understudied. Thus, our objective was to obtain a comprehensive understanding of men's perceptions of the changes in their lives following cancer.

METHODS

Twenty-four Israeli men who completed cancer treatment participated in five focus group meetings. Data analysis was performed using the thematic analysis method.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified pertaining to both positive and negative changes in the men's lives following cancer: 1) negative manifestations of cancer survivorship; 2) changes in perceptions of life; 3) changes in perceptions of self; and 4) putting changes into action.

CONCLUSION

Whereas earlier research indicated a minimal impact of cancer on men survivors' lives, this study demonstrates multidimensional changes in the lives of such men. Findings revealed a dialectic post-cancer experience that consisted of negative manifestations of cancer survivorship co-existing with positive developments in different aspects of the men's lives. Additionally, prioritizing one's self was a novel finding of the current study.

Exploration of Hope Among Young Adults with Cancer in Malaysia

Purpose: Hope is vital for cancer patients to cope with their illnesses. It is positively associated with better health outcomes, quality of life, and daily functioning. However, restoring hope after a cancer diagnosis can be challenging, especially for young adult cancer patients. This research aimed to investigate hope among young adults with cancer throughout their cancer experience and the exploration of hope preservation in these individuals. Methods: This qualitative study involved 14 young adults recruited from a closed Facebook group. The median age of the participants was 30.5 years (range 20-39 years), and their median survival year was 3 years (range 1-18 years from the date of diagnosis). Semistructured interviews and a thematic analysis were performed to identify the major themes that emerged from these interviews. Results: The findings identified that young adults expressed hopes for cancer advocacy, good physical and mental health, ease in the afterlife, and uncertain hopes due to thoughts of death. Three areas that influenced their hope are: (1) active hope with cancer peers; (2) cancer prognosis and hope; and (3) hope comes from prayer. Their cultural and religious beliefs influenced the various forms of hope and affected their experiences with cancer. In addition, this study discovered that not all positive communication with their physician resulted in hope. Conclusion: These findings provide important insight to health care professionals (HCPs) by encouraging young adults to discuss hope and improving the existing oncology social work-based intervention. This study suggests that hope is essential for chronic illness patients and should be supported continuously during and after treatments.

Supporting Personal Growth in Childhood, Adolescent and Young-Adult Cancer Survivors Through Challenges in Nature - A Qualitative Study of WAYA Wilderness Programme Participation

Background

Childhood, adolescent and young-adult (AYA) cancer survivors often experience health problems due to late or long-term effects of their cancer or the treatment thereof. The general population gains health benefits from immersion in nature, and nature-based programmes seem to be an intervention that can promote health among childhood and AYA cancer survivors.

Objective

To explore the impact of the WAYA wilderness programme on the health of childhood and AYA cancer survivors.

Methods

The study had a qualitative approach, with data from individual interviews (n = 18) 3 months after completion of the WAYA programme. In addition, case report data was collected during follow-up talks (1, 2 and 12 months after the programme) (n = 19). The WAYA programme consisted of an 8-day expedition, followed 3 months later by a 4-day base camp. The programme included activities such as hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, bushcraft and mindfulness. Data was analysed according to a qualitative content analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were followed.

Results

An overarching theme was identified: "Personal growth from challenges in nature supported by deep connections with others". In 4 additional themes, participants' experiences describe how deep personal connections arose, as they developed a feeling of being able and competent in nature. Nature provided a space that supported relaxation and respite from everyday challenges and stimuli, which also led to an experience of being more connected to nature.

Conclusion

The WAYA programme was experienced as being of support to childhood and AYA cancer survivors. The programme provided them with skills and tools to be safe in nature. When connected to nature, the participants developed trust and self-confidence, personal growth, relaxation and recovery from stress. Their engagement in outdoor activities continued after completion of the programme, when they returned to everyday life at home.

Exploring the Important Determinants Shaping Treatment Preferences: Qualitative Insights into Breast Cancer Patient Experiences and Perspectives in New Zealand

Purpose

Despite the importance of acknowledging patient preferences in treatment decision-making, little is known about the treatment preferences and the factors underlying those preferences of breast cancer patients. This study aims explore patient experience and perspective regarding treatment preferences and identify the important determinants that shape these preferences in the context of New Zealand.

Patients and Methods

Semi-structured online interviews comprised of six focus group discussions and five individual interviews were performed with 26 breast cancer patients. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the reflexive thematic analysis approach.

Results

Four main themes were derived: (1) positive treatment outcomes; (2) the negative impact of treatment-related side effects on quality of life; (3) treatment accessibility, availability, and timeliness; (4) cost of treatment. Patients revealed a strong preference towards treatments that yield longer survival, achieve remission, and prevent cancer recurrence. Additionally, patients favored treatments with minimal side effects that had minimal impact on their quality of life. There was a notable preference for treatments that were easily accessible and available in a timely manner. However, patients faced challenging decisions in balancing the costs of treatments with their benefits, leading to a consistent preference for treatments supported by government funding or medical insurance to alleviate financial burdens.

Conclusion

Our study reveals that breast cancer patients in New Zealand have different perceptions and preferences regarding cancer treatment. Patients frequently find themselves making trade-offs among various attributes of a treatment, aligning these decisions with their personal values and beliefs. By considering these preferences and trade-offs in future studies that measure patient preferences, healthcare professionals can enhance their support for patients in making informed choices that align with their values and priorities. Additionally, healthcare policymakers can develop patient-centered policies that cater to the unique needs and preferences of breast cancer patients.

Evaluation of the MOVE online exercise programme for young people aged 13-30

PURPOSE

To evaluate the MOVE exercise programme in supporting the recovery of young people affected by cancer.

METHODS

Participants in an 8-week exercise rehabilitation programme delivered online by cancer rehabilitation specialists completed self-reported questionnaires at baseline and after programme completion. Assessments included cancer-related fatigue (FACIT fatigue scale) and health-related quality of life (EORTC-QLC-30). Qualitative data were provided through written accounts of participant experiences and underwent content analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-one participants commenced the exercise rehabilitation programme and 57 completed the programme and provided data for analysis (63% female; median age 22 years). Statistically significant improvements were observed in post-programme scores for all measured outcomes (cancer-related fatigue, quality of life, physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning). Content analysis of written experiences generated ten unique codes. The highest frequency codes were enjoyment (n = 34), motivation (n = 14) and fitness (n = 13).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate feasibility of delivery, acceptability to patients and physical and psychological benefits of a personalised online exercise rehabilitation programme for young people living with and beyond cancer. Further research involving a control arm and long-term follow-up would be beneficial.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

These results support the inclusion of a personalised exercise programme as part of cancer rehabilitation for young people living with and beyond cancer.

Patients' perception of changes and consequences after tumor resection : A qualitative study in Austrian patients with musculoskeletal malignancies

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and consequences of surgical treatment of patients with musculoskeletal malignancies on everyday life.

METHODS

A modified form of grounded theory was used for data collection and analysis. Data collection was systematic and analyzed simultaneously and 16 interviews were conducted: 2 narrative, 11 guided and 3 expert interviews (surgeon, physical therapist, support group). Data collection and analysis alternated until no new codes could be found. Once theoretical saturation was achieved, the main category was formed and described using the literature.

RESULTS

The main category results from the combination of all categories and leads to the core category. In the center is the affected person and in the immediate environment are the patient's relatives/partners. In the next instance the primary care physician is necessary to establish a sense of normalcy. This depends on the individuality of the person and the restored possibilities of movement.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, the necessity of implementing psychosocial care involving the social environment is shown. The importance of relatives/partners for recovery is emphasized. Furthermore, the communication between the specialists and family physicians should be simplified.

“Struck down by cancer with no old life to fall back on” a clinical study of illness experiences among Norwegian adolescent and young adult cancer survivors investigating the ethical implications of their illness narratives

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a leading cause of death among people 15-24 years of age. Increasing numbers of cancer patients survive. Extensive cancer therapy may cause wide-ranging somatic and psychosocial challenges in the lives of the survivors. Research indicates adolescent and young adult cancer (AYA) survivors need to be seen as a distinctive group of survivors having unique health care needs. The existing literature suggests the need for specific follow-up care programs addressing the challenges of AYAs and providing them access to specialized after care, as well as a need to explore AYA cancer survivors' own illness experiences.

AIMS

Through the theoretical lens of narrative medicine and care ethics, our purpose was to investigate the particular challenges encountered by the AYA cancer survivors, and how they view themselves in light of their illness experiences. We ask how AYA cancer survivors are met and understood by their medical professionals?

METHODS

This study applied a qualitative method using a narrative research design by collecting self-stories of illness in order to conceptualize human experiences of illness among AYA cancer survivors. Eight in-depth interviews were conducted using a narrative analysis according to the narrative plots of restitution, chaos and quest, as suggested by Arthur Frank.

RESULTS

Hopelessness and a struggle to take part in the activities of daily life as survivors of cancer were revealed. Too ill to fully take part in the society, the AYA cancer survivors strive to be understood for what they are, namely young survivors.

CONCLUSION

The survivors'stories reveal a moral imperative that needs to be honored by medical professionals in order to improve cancer care. Cancer survivorship may be a lifelong process necessitating long-term follow-up care. With the lack of specific care programs for AYA cancer survivors, follow-up care is provided by general practitioners or other medical professionals, who often lack expertise in the unique challenges faced by AYA survivors. Because they feel their needs are unmet and their stories not understood, the AYA survivors might experience a sense of abandonment. By adopting a care ethics and narrative medicine approach we provide medical professionals a theoretical framework to better understand and care for AYA cancer survivors. Clinical trial number is 2012/1141.

Experiences of resuming life after immunotherapy and associated survivorship care needs: a qualitative study among patients with metastatic melanoma

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved the overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. It is unclear how the growing group of metastatic melanoma survivors resume their lives after treatment, and which needs they have regarding survivorship care (SSC).

Objectives

To gain an in‐depth understanding of metastatic melanoma survivors’ experiences of resuming life after ICIs and their associated SSC needs.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted among 20 patients with metastatic melanoma in whom ICIs had been discontinued after ongoing tumour response. One focus group (n = 9) was held, which was complemented by 11 individual interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select a variable sample in terms of sex, age, time since discontinuation of ICIs, and perceived impact of the disease. A topic guide was used to structure the (group) interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed in a thematic content analysis, using several phases of coding.

Results

In resuming life after ICIs, the prognosis switch often caused mixed feelings among patients, mainly because of the uncertainty about the future. Demands and expectations from self and others, persistent complaints and new problems in different life domains often make it challenging to proceed with life as it was prior to metastatic cancer. Patients indicated they needed to find a new balance, which included learning to cope with uncertainty and a changed perspective on life and close relationships. In terms of SSC needs, patients particularly stressed the need for more tailored patient information, available at one location. In addition, they emphasized the need to know who to turn to in case of questions and indicated the need for psychosocial support, also for their close relatives.

Conclusions

Metastatic melanoma survivors face various challenges in resuming life after ICIs and are left with several unmet SSC needs. Efforts should be focused on offering psychosocial supportive care in addition to medical care, from diagnosis onwards, taking into account the patient’s close relatives. A single point of contact and personalized survivorship care plan (SCP) could be of added value in guiding them through the patient journey, which is, given its multidisciplinary nature, particularly important in melanoma care.

What is already known about this topic?

Since the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) the overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma has improved significantly, leading to a growing group of melanoma survivors.

Melanoma survivors may face various problems and challenges in resuming life after treatment, which may be associated with unmet survivorship care (SSC) needs.

An in‐depth understanding of their experiences with resuming life and the associated SSC needs is currently lacking.

What does this study add?

Metastatic melanoma survivors experience various challenges after immunotherapy, from the uncertain prognosis switch to the struggle of finding a new balance in life.

Besides negative aspects, such as complaints in different life domains, the patient journey is often accompanied by positive outcomes, for example a changed perspective on life.

They stress the need for tailored patient information and broader supportive care, also for their close relatives.

What are the clinical implications of this work?

In addition to medical care, efforts should be focused on offering psychosocial supportive care, including return‐to‐work issues, from diagnosis onwards, ideally taking into account the patient’s close relatives.

To guide them through the patient journey, a single point of contact and a personalized survivorship care plan (SCP) could be of added value.

The latter is particularly important in melanoma care, given its multidisciplinary nature.

With this qualitative study we provided an in‐depth understanding of metastatic melanoma survivors' experiences of resuming life after ICIs and their associated SSC needs. They face various challenges in resuming life and efforts should be focused on offering psychosocial supportive care, in addition to medical care, from diagnosis onwards, taking into account the patient's close relatives. A single point of contact and personalized survivorship care plan (SCP) could be of added value in guiding them through the patiënt journey which is, given its multidisciplinary nature, particularly important in melanoma care.

Linked Comment:E.N. Clarke. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:286–287.

Expert Consensus on Physical Activity Use for Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Biopsychosocial Health: A Modified Delphi Study

Significance: Cancer treatment impacts young adults' (YA) biological and psychosocial health, with over >50% reporting unmet needs. Physical activity (PA) offers symptom mitigation, risk reduction, and critical independence to YA (age 18-39 years) affected by cancer. When tailored to YA, PA guidelines can facilitate PA integration into survivorship care. However, no current expert consensus on PA use in YA exists. Aim: To describe expert consensus and opinions on the application of PA as a biopsychosocial health promotion strategy for YA cancer survivors, guided by the Revised Symptom Management Theory. Methods: A four-round modified Delphi study was conducted with international multidisciplinary experts (round I/II, n = 18; round III, n = 57; round IV, n = 45) in exercise oncology, symptom management, survivorship care, and adolescent-YA cancer care. Qualitative content analysis, descriptive statistics (% agreement, SD, mean), and inter-rater reliability (Kappa) were calculated. Results: Experts reached a consensus on the following: PA should be integrated into YA cancer care as part of supportive oncology to mitigate symptoms of fatigue, cardiometabolic health, muscle mass loss, altered body composition, and anxiety/depression; PA improves functional capacity and wellbeing; at all points on the care continuum YA should be asked if they would like guidance on PA use; PA interventions should be tailored for personal facilitators, barriers, and motivations, to maximize survivorship adaptations. Conclusion/Implication: The results of this study identified areas of expert consensus that warrant PA implementation in YA survivorship care to guide future research and clinical endeavors.

A qualitative study of young childhood cancer survivors and their parents' experiences with treatment-related late effects in everyday life post-treatment

AIMS

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to explore how young cancer survivors and their parents experience and manage treatment-related late effects in daily life post-treatment.

DESIGN

A phenomenological-hermeneutic explorative study.

METHODS

Using purposive sampling, we included 15 childhood cancer survivors (aged 11-18 years) and their parents who participated in semi-structured interviews from September 2019 through May 2020. We analysed the interviews paired using a thematic approach focused on meaning.

RESULTS

The central theme, 'Negotiation daily life', emerged as well as three interrelated sub-themes, that is 'A changed everyday life', 'Physical activity as a tool' and 'Friends as a tool'. The childhood cancer survivors and their parents experienced, understood and interpreted the late effects differently. The difference between the survivors' perceptions and those of their parents in managing treatment-related late effects in everyday life resulted in a continuous negotiation process between the parties. Parents highlighted the negative impact of late effects on their child's daily life in relation to physical activity, school and socialization while the survivors wished to leave the cancer experience behind and 'move on' with their friends. As a result, most of the survivors developed strategies to manage their social activities while their parents felt that the survivors neglected the late effects.

CONCLUSION

The ongoing negotiation process between the childhood cancer survivors and their parents show the complexity of the new family dynamics on returning to everyday life post-treatment. For clinical nurses, that means that there should be focus on family dynamics and how the childhood cancer survivors and parents, respectively, manage the childhood cancer survivors' late effects.

IMPACT

Healthcare providers should distinguish between the needs of the survivors and those of their parents as they transition from treatment to everyday life, and especially in the management of late effects caused by the treatment.

Perceived Positive and Negative Life Changes in Testicular Cancer Survivors

Background and objectives: Despite a generally good prognosis, testicular cancer can be a life-altering event. We explored perceived positive and negative life changes after testicular cancer in terms of frequency, demographic and disease-related predictors, and associations with depression and anxiety. Materials and methods: All testicular cancer survivors receiving follow-up care at two specialized outpatient treatment facilities were approached at follow-up visits or via mail. We assessed a total of N = 164 patients (66% participation rate, mean time since diagnosis: 11.6 years, SD = 7.4) by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI, modified version assessing positive and negative changes for each of 21 items), Patient-Health-Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized-Anxiety-Disorder-Scale-7 (GAD-7). We conducted controlled multivariate regression analyses. Results: Most survivors (87%) reported at least one positive change (mean number: 7.2, SD = 5.0, possible range: 0-21). The most frequent perceived positive changes were greater appreciation of life (62%), changed priorities in life (62%), and ability rely on others (51%). At least one negative change was perceived by 33% (mean number of changes: 1.1, SD = 2.5). Negative changes were most frequent for decreases in self-reliance (14%), personal strength (11%), and ability to express emotions (9%). A higher socioeconomic status was associated with more positive changes (β = 0.25, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.42); no other association with demographic and disease-related predictors emerged. While positive life changes were not associated with depression (β = -0.05, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.07) and anxiety (β = 0.00, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.13), more negative life changes were significantly associated with higher depression (β = 0.15, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.27) and anxiety (β = 0.23, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.36). There was no significant interaction of positive and negative changes on depression or anxiety. Conclusions: Although positive life changes after testicular cancer are common, a significant number of survivors perceive negative changes in life domains that have been primarily investigated in terms of personal growth. Early identification of and psychosocial support for patients who perceive predominantly negative changes may contribute to prevention of prolonged symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Living with the Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Treatment: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS) may experience physical, social, and emotional struggles posttreatment. Our aim was to explore the experiences of CCS dealing with the late effects of cancer treatment from their own perspectives. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design to explore and describe the experience of dealing with late effects among CCS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 CCS in Korea. Participants were selected by purposive and snowball sampling and individually interviewed during the period from September to November 2020. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze data and identify themes. Two main themes and seven subthemes emerged. The two main themes were: "Things I encountered while crossing a bridge" and "Living as a survivor". The participants reported both positive and negative experiences with dealing with the late effects of cancer treatment. The main themes indicated that late effects exert significant impacts on the lives of CCS in both positive and negative ways. Healthcare providers and researchers should pay attention to early intervention needs of CCS and their support systems to strengthen their positive experiences in dealing with late effects during their survivorships.

How Are Families Faring? Perceived Family Functioning Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors in Comparison to Their Peers

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors' families can face ongoing challenges into survivorship. Families' adjustment and functioning as a unit can subsequently impact AYAs' mental health and quality of life. This study examined AYA cancer survivors' perceived family functioning, compared with their peers, and investigated factors associated with family functioning. Methods: Eligible participants were aged between 15 and 40 years, fluent in English, and cancer survivors who had completed treatment. AYA cancer survivors were recruited from hospital clinics, and the comparison group from an affiliated university campus. Participants completed the McMaster Family Assessment Device, Kidcope, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-Short Form. We analyzed between-group differences in family functioning using multivariate analysis of covariance and used partial correlations to investigate associations between demographic cancer-related psychological coping variables and family functioning. Results: Ninety-three AYA cancer survivors and 141 comparison peers participated (ages: 15-32 years). AYA cancer survivors reported significantly better family functioning (p = 0.029), lower depression (p = 0.016), and anxiety symptoms (p = 0.008) compared with the comparison group. Approximately one-third of AYA survivors (34.4%) reported clinically significant maladaptive family functioning; however, this was more prevalent in the comparison group (50.4%). After adjusting for covariates, poorer family functioning was associated with AYA survivors using more avoidant escape-oriented coping strategies (p = 0.010). Conclusions: Our cancer survivor cohort reported better family functioning and psychological outcomes compared with their peers. Interventions targeting avoidant coping behaviors may support improved family functioning in some survivors. Further research disentangling the relationship between coping mechanisms and family functioning among AYA cancer survivors is needed.

Body image among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

Cancer and treatment can produce temporary or permanent body changes, which may affect the body image (BI) of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer (AYAs). This evidence has not been comprehensively summarized. A scoping review was conducted to explore the available evidence on BI among AYAs and identify the definitions, theories, models, frameworks, measures, and methods used to assess BI.

METHODS

Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO (via Ovid) and CINAHL and Gender Studies (via EBSCO) were searched to identify published studies from 1 January 2000 to 25 November 2019. Inclusion criteria were: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology; at least one BI-related measure or theme; published in English; and majority of the sample between 13 and 39 years at diagnosis and a mean age at diagnosis between 13 and 39 years. Two authors screened the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles and data were extracted and summarized.

RESULTS

The search yielded 11,347 articles and 82 met inclusion criteria. Articles included 45 quantitative, 33 qualitative, and four mixed-methods studies. The majority of studies used cross-sectional designs, while BI definitions, theories, models, frameworks, and measures were varied. Studies explored descriptive, psychological, physical, coping, and social factors, with BI being described most often as an outcome rather than a predictor.

CONCLUSIONS

Theory-based research that employs a holistic BI definition and uses longitudinal or intervention study designs or a qualitative methodology is needed to better understand the BI experience of AYAs and inform the development of strategies and programs to reduce BI concerns and increase positive body experiences.

Identification of Evidence for Key Positive Psychological Constructs in Pediatric and Adolescent/Young Adult Patients with Cancer: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Children and adolescents/young adults (AYAs) with cancer are a vulnerable population susceptible to numerous late effects, such as fatigue and depression, which may diminish their long-term psychological, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. A well-rounded understanding of how positive psychological constructs affect the quality of care and treatment outcomes is therefore warranted.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review of 15 positive psychological constructs in children and AYAs with cancer. The primary research questions were (1) what is known about positive psychological constructs in children and AYAs with cancer; (2) what value is ascribed to these constructs by patients?

Results: Two hundred seventy-six articles were included after database search and screening. These studies were mostly observational or qualitative and conducted in North America. Constructs were often poorly defined, and measurement tools used to gather data were wide ranging. Numerous factors were correlated with increased or decreased expression of certain constructs, but overall themes were difficult to identify. Similarly, patients often spoke of what increased or decreased expression of a construct, with less emphasis on what they implicitly value.

Discussion: This scoping review found ample evidence for what increases or decreases expression of positive psychological constructs, but this evidence was observational and often conflicting. In the future, we recommend the development of a core set of psychological outcomes, with definitions and corresponding measurement tools. We further recommend an emphasis on randomized trials to more rigorously study how expression of constructs can be improved and what effect this has on the quality of life.