Abstract
PurposeChildhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at increased risk of chronic health problems. Effective self-management could help CCSs cope with the challenges that accompany survivorship and reduce their risk of developing further health problems. There is little evidence about the extent to which CCSs engage with self-management and the specific strategies they use. This study aimed to identify and explore the strategies that CCSs use to manage the consequences of cancer.MethodsTwenty-four CCSs were recruited via follow-up clinics. Participants completed a semi-structured interview which was audio-recorded and transcribed. Directed content analysis was used to identify self-reported self-management strategies and categorise them into main self-management types.ResultsCCSs reported 118 specific self-management strategies which fell under 20 main self-management strategy types. All CCSs reported using several main self-management strategy types and specific self-management strategies. Main strategy types used by all CCSs were “adopting a healthy lifestyle”, “self-motivating”, “using support”, “reasoned decision-making” and “creating a healthy environment”. The most common specific self-management strategies were “receiving family support” (n = 20) and “attending follow-up and screening appointments” (n = 20).ConclusionsThis is the first study which has enabled CCSs to self-report the numerous strategies they employ to look after their health and well-being, contributing to a more comprehensive picture of self-management in CCSs.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsThese findings may increase healthcare professionals’ awareness of the many ways in which CCSs manage their health and is a valuable first step in the development of a supported self-management intervention for CCSs in follow-up care.
Highlights
As a consequence of advances in paediatric cancer treatments, there are approximately 40,000 childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) in the UK [1], and up to 500,000 CCSs in Europe [2]
A few studies have identified self-management strategies used by adolescents and young adults in active treatment [20], and the self-management needs of survivors of cancers diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood [21, 22]
To describe the extent to which CCSs use self-management, we report the frequencies with which main strategy types and specific strategies were used
Summary
As a consequence of advances in paediatric cancer treatments, there are approximately 40,000 childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) in the UK [1], and up to 500,000 CCSs in Europe [2]. CCSs are at risk of a range of late-adverse effects of treatment; in excess of 60% of CCSs will develop at least one chronic health problem [3, 4], whilst approximately 40% will experience neurocognitive deficits [5]. It is possible that effective engagement by CCSs in self-management could help them to reduce their risk of developing adverse effects of cancer or its treatment and improve how they cope with the challenges associated with surviving cancer. Evidence is limited on self-management in CCSs. A few studies have identified self-management strategies used by adolescents and young adults in active treatment [20], and the self-management needs of survivors of cancers diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood [21, 22]. This study aimed to identify strategies that young adult CCSs use to manage the consequences of cancer in their everyday lives and explore how CCSs describe using these strategies and the psychological processes underlying these reported strategies
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.