Researchers studied the well-being of young adults who survived childhood cancer (YACCS) and found that most survivors had positive psychosocial development, similar to their peers who didn’t have cancer. However, those who had central nervous system (CNS) cancer faced challenges extra challenges in areas like independence, relationships, and sexual development compared to their peers. On the positive side, they were more likely to have been members of a sports club, which is in favour of their social contact with peers, apart from the physical health advances. This positive result was also found in the total group of YACCS.
Another highlight is an improvement in the treatments and support in the Netherlands for YACCS, which has helped most of them develop positively. But it’s essential to keep an eye on CNS cancer survivors to offer the right help and support early on.
Healthcare providers and caregivers play a crucial role in monitoring and assisting YACCS in reaching their psychosocial milestones by supporting survivors’ autonomy, treating them normally, offering support groups/ personalized therapy, and avoiding being overprotective. This could lead to empowering survivors to take control of their own health.
