A systematic review of studies on psychosocial late effects of childhood cancer: structures of society and methodological pitfalls may challenge the conclusions

Abstract

High survival rates after childhood cancer raise attention to possible psychosocial late effects. We focus on predictors of psychosocial outcomes based on diagnosis, treatment, demography, somatic disease, and methodological problems. Overall, survivors evaluate their health-related quality of life to be normal or even better than controls, although virtually all diagnostic subgroups report psychosocial impairment. Central nervous system tumor survivors have significant psychosocial problems. Negative outcomes were associated with cranial radiation therapy, female gender, and young age at diagnosis. Significant methodological problems hamper current knowledge. Systematic registration of psychosocial and somatic problems at diagnosis and prospectively through protocols is needed.