Examining the psychological consequences of surviving childhood cancer: systematic review as a research method in pediatric psychology

Abstract

Objective: To report the results of a systematic review to determine the psychological consequences of surviving childhood cancer.

Methods: Searches were conducted using Psyclit, Medline, Cinahl, and Bids and articles selected on the basis of predefined criteria. Key information was extracted to data sheets and these were rated by two coders.

Results: Twenty studies were identified, seventeen from the United States. Survivors did not show deficits in measures of anxiety, depression, or self-esteem when compared with population norms or matched controls. Survivors of some cancers (bone tumors) have poorer outcomes.

Conclusions: The results of this review support findings of previous descriptive reviews. Methodological problems include poorly reported medical information (for example, time since diagnosis), heterogeneous samples, self-selection of participants, poorly chosen/lack of suitable measures, and a lack of longitudinal work. Findings are discussed in terms of the need for cross-cultural work on adjustment to childhood cancer, the need for studies to take on a more developmental approach, and for greater national and international collaboration.