Living as a Cancer Survivor: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Belgian Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) after Childhood Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: Insight was sought in how a childhood cancer experience plays a role in daily life of adolescents and young adults (AYA) survivors.

Design and methods: A qualitative research in which semi-structured interviews were held with 21 AYA survivors of childhood cancer between the ages of 14 and 25. The AYA survivors were recruited from two pediatric oncology departments of two university hospitals in Belgium.

Results: The current situation and behavior of AYA-survivors who have been treated for childhood cancer are covered in 5 categories: The Feeling of Being Different while Aiming for Normalcy in Relationships, Living with Existential Uncertainty, The Conscious Protection of Health, The Attachment to the Parent(s) with Whom the Cancer Experience was Shared, and The Desire to Be Meaningful to Others.

Conclusions: The AYA survivors did not feel that their cancer experience dominated their current daily life, yet, the cancer experience had an important impact on their functioning.

Practice implications: The findings of the study can be used to optimize holistic psychosocial care of AYA survivors. By starting from the key elements in their current functioning, health care professionals can tailor their support to the way in which AYA survivors have integrated their cancer experience into their everyday lives.

Keywords: Adolescent health; Cancer survivors; Childhood cancer; Nursing; Qualitative research.