Examining the Role of Post-Treatment Family Support in Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Purpose: Families play a critical role in the health and well-being of adolescent and young adult (AYA)-aged survivors (13-39 years) of pediatric and AYA cancers during cancer treatment. However, little is known about the roles that families play post-treatment. It is important to expand an understanding on the roles of family support on post-treatment psychosocial health outcomes. This review aims to synthesize the current literature on family support on post-treatment psychosocial health outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search utilizing PubMed returned n = 15 peer-reviewed journal articles investigating parent and family psychosocial support roles post-treatment. Results: Parental support, family functioning, parental knowledge, and education in survivorship care are critical factors in lowering psychological and emotional distress, increasing identification of long-term risks associated with cancer treatment, and increasing autonomy and psychological growth and development. Conclusion: Results suggest that health care professionals should consider integrating factors such as assessment of family functioning and increasing parent education in post-treatment clinical assessments. Integrating family support when assessing a survivor's post-treatment supportive care needs may strengthen psychosocial survivorship care.