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Support after the completion of cancer treatment: perspectives of A ustralian adolescents and their families
Author(s) -
Wakefield C.E.,
McLoone J.,
Butow P.,
Lenthen K.,
Cohn R.J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.12059
Subject(s) - medicine , social support , emotional support , distress , cancer treatment , perception , silence , emotional distress , young adult , family medicine , psychiatry , cancer , clinical psychology , gerontology , anxiety , psychology , psychotherapist , philosophy , neuroscience , aesthetics
Young people recovering from cancer may lack adequate support post‐treatment, yet little is known about the types of support and information young A ustralians and their families need. This study investigated adolescent/young adult cancer survivors' and their families' perceptions of care and support needs after completing cancer treatment. Seventy semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 19 survivors (mean age 16.1 years), 21 mothers, 15 fathers and 15 siblings. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the conceptual framework of M iles and H uberman. Post‐treatment, participants regarded medical staff positively but were reluctant to ask for their help fearing it may deflect resources away from patients still receiving treatment. Appraisals of social workers' and psychologists' support post‐treatment were mixed. Formal emotional support was rarely accessed and participants reported that any additional funds should be directed to greater psychological support in this period. Participants also reported the need for additional financial support post‐treatment. Clinicians need to be aware that while young people and their families may not demand support post‐treatment, they may ‘suffer in silence’ or burden family members and friends with the responsibility of providing emotional support, though they may be experiencing distress also.