The impact of parental cancer on the adolescent: an analysis of the literature

Abstract

Research has revealed the impact of the diagnosis of cancer on an individual, their spouse, and their family. One dimension that has received little attention is the impact of the cancer diagnosis on the patient's adolescent. This article offers an analysis of descriptive studies, intervention studies, and databased book chapters, published between 1966 and 2006, that examined the impact of parental cancer on the adolescent. The results of 45 studies and three databased book chapters are organized around four themes: adolescents' (1) emotions and behaviors (2) perceptions and knowledge of parental cancer (3) changes in roles and (4) ways of coping. These themes will assist the reader in understanding the application of the knowledge gained from the analysis of the literature to directions for future research.