Psychosocial support for young cancer survivors

Identifier:  TDX:2725

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX2725

Authors:  Galán Ortega, Santiago J

Abstract:
The number of cancer survivors is growing. However, the side and late effects caused by cancer itself or by the cancer treatment may result in additional needs. Identifying what these needs are and developing specific guidelines about how they can be satisfied is important in order to guarantee a satisfactory quality of life in this population. This Thesis is related to this area of knowledge, and has three studies: a systematic review of the needs of AYAs (Study I), a Delphi study about the importance of these needs (Study II) and a validation of the Centrality of Event Scale (CES) for its use with Spanish-speaking youths (Study III). The main conclusions are the following: 1. AYA cancer survivors have specific needs such as receiving information and individualized counselling, tailored care in the post- treatment phase, and psychological help and social support. 2. Several of these needs are seldom met, mostly related to: fertility and sexual health, healthy lifestyle maintenance, social and family support, and peer relationships. 3. The CES is a reliable and valid assessment tool to be used with young people, which can help determine the importance of centrality to adjustment to cancer events.