The Psychosocial Impact of Completing Childhood Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objective To review the results of any published research study examining the psychosocial functioning of children who have recently completed cancer treatment. Methods Five electronic databases were searched (from 1978 to 2008). Of 1,734 identified articles, 19 met all inclusion criteria. Four articles utilized a qualitative methodology, thirteen utilized a quantitative methodology, and two used mixed methods. Results Children may experience positive psychosocial outcomes on treatment completion, including high self-worth, good behavioral conduct, and improved mental health and social behavior. However, they may also experience significant negative outcomes, including lower levels of psychological well-being, mood, liveliness, self-esteem, and motor and physical functioning, as well as increased anxiety, problem behaviors, and sleeping difficulties. Conclusions Completing treatment can be a psychologically complex time for children as they wait to make the transition from cancer patient to long-term cancer survivor. Further high-quality research targeting the needs of these children is warranted.