Memories of adult survivors of childhood cancer: Diagnosis, coping, and long-term influence of cancer

Abstract

Purpose:

This study examines adult childhood cancer survivors’ memories about diagnosis, coping, and life effects of cancer.

Research approach:

This qualitative study used inductive content analysis to analyze open-ended responses completed in a survey conducted in 2018.

Participants:

27 adult survivors (15 male, 12 female) of childhood cancer, ranging in age from 20–39, who were at least 5 years post treatment.

Methods:

Participants recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk responded to a survey which included open-ended questions about experiencing childhood cancer to examine their: (1) memories of initial reactions to cancer; (2) memories of coping during cancer; and (3) reflections of the cancer experience on who they are today.

Findings:

Inductive content analysis was performed to reveal categories related to the stories shared by participants regarding their memories of childhood cancer experiences. Participants’ memories of diagnosis reflected categories such as psychological reactions and family support. Memories of coping reflected themes of family support and distraction. Participants’ reported strength and resilience as impacts of cancer on their present lives.

Implications for Psychosocial Providers:

These findings indicate that survivors of childhood cancer have strong, specific memories about diagnosis and coping during cancer and highlight the potential long-term implications of having cancer. The findings also illustrate the importance of appropriate psychosocial support for childhood cancer patients and survivors.

Keywords:

• cancer survivor
• childhood cancer
• coping
• diagnosis
• late-effects
• memories

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Sarah Daniels of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for her assistance with and support of this paper. We would also like to thank Amber Wesoloski, Shannon Anderson and the Child Life and Child Development Research Lab at The University of Alabama for their commitment to this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.