Posttraumatic Growth and Illness Perception in Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer

A study involving 160 Swiss adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who survived cancer investigated posttraumatic growth (PTG) and illness perception. Conducted through a population-based survey, participants were AYA cancer survivors diagnosed between 1990 and 2005. The research revealed that survivors reported moderate levels of PTG, notably in domains like Appreciation of Life, Personal Strength, and Relating to Others. Illness perception was generally positive, with survivors reporting low symptom levels and a high understanding of their illness. While sociodemographic and cancer-related characteristics showed no significant association with PTG, survivors who found follow-up care helpful and had high concerns about illness consequences reported higher PTG levels. The study underscores the importance of promoting PTG and addressing maladaptive illness perceptions to help survivors find meaning in their cancer experience. Overall, authors recommend interventions aimed at facilitating PTG to enhance the psychological well-being and quality of life of AYA cancer survivors. Additionally, they highlight the importance of follow-up care perceived as helpful and addressing concerns about illness consequences, as these factors were associated with higher levels of PTG among survivors.