Long-Term Psychosocial Outcome Among Cancer Amputees in Adolescence and Early Adulthood

Abstract

Although advances in the treatment of adolescents and young adults with cancer had led to significant increases in their long-term survival, little is known about the psychosocial outcome of these individuals. The present study assessed the educational, vocational, and psychosocial status of 20 long-term survivors who had undergone amputation for cancer during adolescence or early adulthood. When they were interviewed, all patients had survived their diagnosis for at least five years (range 5-19 years), were disease free, and were not receiving cancer-related therapy. The results indicated the the majority of patients had adjusted well to their disabilities and led full and functional lives. Eighty-five percent worked at least part-time, 85 percent were either married or dating a steady partner, and nearly 50 percent had at least some college education. On the basis of their results, the authors propose interventions designed to facilitate the adjustment of young cancer amputees.