The study examined how parents assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of child cancer survivors approximately 2.5 years after diagnosis, and aimed to identify risk factors for poor HRQoL as reported by parents. The research involved 305 child and adolescent survivors of leukemia or central nervous system tumors. Fathers tended to rate their children’s HRQoL more positively than mothers, particularly in domains related to family, friends, and the disease itself.
The study revealed significant associations between poor HRQoL in survivors and specific factors, including a diagnosis of central nervous system tumors, older age at diagnosis, and non-participation in rehabilitation. These findings underscore the importance of healthcare professionals recognizing differences in parental perceptions of aftercare for childhood cancer survivors. Early identification of high-risk patients for poor HRQoL and providing support to families post-diagnosis is crucial for safeguarding survivors’ HRQoL during aftercare. Future research should delve into the characteristics of childhood cancer survivors and families with limited participation in rehabilitation programs.
